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(Tl 



LIFE 



OP THE 



AUTHOR OF THE LETTERS OF JUNIUS. 




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JUNIUS 
J a m e s Wilm o t DD 

]UI,M „, fl.r-M ,lin:t,: !,««■ 4*1*.: /,,MVXS,-,T,.,: 



j^nsriite- 







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A d'hclbumc , Chatham/, and a Gamden too, 
Each future period shall enraptur'd view ■ 
CurM'I J RIOT'S name mil alio nobh) (ire, 
And "patriot precepts, to the unborn gii'e; 
Ti'l ffavnes and empires eaeh difsoh'e away 
And all approach the ,arcat, the awful day., 
When God supreme his anger'd S'eeptev weUds, 
. ///d claims that tenth an earffi oppression 



rieldi 



. ■■ 



THE 



LIFE 



OF THE 



aut&or of t&e Letters of Junius, 



REV. JAMES WILMOT, D.D. 

LATE FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLEGE, OXFORD, RECTOR 

OF BARTON-ON-THE-HEATH, AND AULCESTER, 

WARWICKSHIRE, AND ONE OF HIS 

MAJESTY'S JUSTICES OF THE 

PEACE FOR THAT 

COUNTY. 



WITH PORTRAIT, FAC SIMILES, &c. 



BY HIS NIECE 

OLIVIA ^WILMOT SERRES. 



Anima legis ratio. 



LONDON 



Sold by E. Williams, Bookseller to the Duke and Duchess 
of York, No. 11, Strand ; John Walker, No. 44, Pater- 
noster Row 3 and John Hatchard, No. 190, Piccadilly. 

1813. 






€ox and Baylis, Printers, Grea 1 . Queen Street* 
Lincoln's-lnn- Fields. 



TO 



THE MOST NOBLE 



THE MARQUIS OF BLANDFORD, 

8$c. fyc. 8$c. 



MY LORD, 

Honored by your Lordship's per- 
mission, and impressed with sentiments of the 
most profound respect, I presume to dedicate 
to your Lordship, the Life of the Author of 

The Letters of Junius, whose father, at 

a 3 



DEDICATION. 

the battle of Blenheim, fought with your 
Lordship's brave and illustrious ancestor, the 
great Duke of Marlborough, humbly parti- 
cipating in the glorious triumphs of that 
transcendent victory! 

Could the spirit of the departed Junius 
revisit this nether world, with how much sa- 
tisfaction would he behold his once favorite 
Niece enjoying the favor of that patronage 
your Lordship has so kindly condescended to 
bestow ! 

That the Fine Arts, and every branch of 
Polite Literature, may long have to acknow- 



DEDICATION. 

ledge your Lordship's fostering patronage, is 
the earnest prayer of, 
My Lord, 
your Lordship's 
most obedient, 
most respectful, 

and very humble servant, 
OLIVIA WILMOT SERRES. 



London, June, 1813. 



a 4 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



Xhe memory of Junius will ever be dear 
to the recollection of Englishmen. The 
noble and patriotic lessons he has be- 
queathed to posterity will rouse the ener- 
gies, and animate the conduct of his coun- 
trymen to the latest period of time. As 
a near relation of Dr. Wjxmot, I address 
you, respectfully entreating your patronage 
and protection for this publication ; and, 
I doubt not, I shall experience your con- 



X TO THE PUBLIC. 

sideration and forbearance, as to the many 
errors, which the work may be found to 
contain. It is not offered to you as a 
finished composition, but as an humble es- 
say to which your fostering care, will afford 
the desired success, and your approving 
smile will be a source of never-failing gra- 
tification to the niece of Junius. 

Permit me to impress it on your remem- 
brance, that the Editor of this work writes 
not from the inducement of personal va- 
nity, or the excitement of presumptuous 
conceit. — No ; she addresses you with a 
more interesting feeling. It is the por- 
traiture of a beloved uncle, which she ex- 
hibits to your contemplation, and presents 
for your acceptance, with the utmost dif- 
fidence and respect. The niece of Dr. 
Wilmot has endeavoured, most faithfully to 



TO THE PUBLIC. XI 

delineate the character, and to narrate the 
opinions of a man, whose loss is, now 
more than ever, to be deplored. She 
presents her picture, decorated in the 
simplest manner, trusting to the opinion, 
liberality, and justice of a discerning and 
generous public. Her sole pretension 
consists in being the relative of a pa- 
triot, whose fame will live until time 
shall be no more ; and whose exertions 
have raised him a monument in the hearts 
of his countrymen, more durable than 
trophies erected by the hand of man. 

The Editor is aware, that her assertions 
may create much opposition : but, at a 
future period, she may again address you 
more explicitly ; when some additional 
evidences shall be disclosed to the world, 



XU TO THE PUBLIC. 

to substantiate the reality of that claim 
she now makes in the behalf of her late 
uncle, and to convince you that he was 
the Author of the Letters of Junius. 

It was ever the study of Dr. Wilmot to 
advance in life with the most scrupulous 
integrity. The man of honour never be- 
trays the confidence of his friends. In 
every situation, he is guided by no mean 
nor selfish views ; but endeavours to pro- 
mote the happiness of his fellow-men, by 
every means in his power: so did Junius 
labor to serve the community. His reward 
was self-gratification. His mind soared 
above all praise, because he conceived he 
was performing a duty imposed upon him. 
The man who could write so nobly, so 
fearlessly, for the benefit of his country- 






TO THE PUBLIC. Xlll 

men, must indeed have possessed a great, 
a capacious soul, devoted to the superior 
attainments of truth and probity. 

Persons may interestedly endeavour to 
fabricate the most superior publications for 
your acceptance. But, as Lord Bacon, in 
his celebrated Essays, observes, " Truth 
" will maintain her excellencies ; the 
" brightest day is her satisfaction ; she 
" delights not in the studies of deceptive 
" obscurity, or the unfathomable depths 
" of oblivious concealment ; her ways are 
"frankness, sincerity, and courage, al- 
" though her altars may be violated by 
" power, and its various concomitants." 

A female is, at best, a baby in the 
republic of literature; her inexperience, 
her want of opportunity for research pos- 
sessed by the other sex, place her in a 



XIV TO THE PUBLIC. 

different situation to those accustomed to 
scholastic refinements. By venturing to 
come before you, she is aware she 
will have many disputants to combat, 
whose gigantic power she tremblingly 
acknowledges, and whose criticisms she 
respectfully deprecates. 

The chief inducement the Editor has 
in thus intruding herself on your notice, 
proceeds from the great anxiety she feels 
that the character of Dr. Wilmot should 
be made known, and that she might be 
enabled to impress more deeply on the 
remembrance of Englishmen, the abilities 
and integrity of their Junius. 

Accept then, this small work, as the 
offering of a heart devoted to your wel- 
fare. A humble imitator of her uncle's 
principles, the Editor, with yourselves* 



TO THE PUBLIC. XV 

equally venerates the Constitution and in- 
dependence of the country. That those 
generous and noble principles may con- 
tinue their protecting power, and defend 
the sacred altar of our liberties, is the 
fervent prayer of 

Your respectful and devoted servant, 

Olivia Wilmot Serres. 

London, June, 1813. 



PREFACE 



The life of the author of Junius 
is offered to the public, without 
the most trifling degree of embel- 
lishment. It is cloathed in the 
simple decorations of truth. The 
only anxiety the niece of Dr. Wil- 
mot entertains, is, that the disposi- 
tion and character of her late uncle 
should be easily comprehended by 
every rank in society. She has, 
therefore, with the nicest attention 
to facts, endeavoured to complete 
this small work; and respectfully 

b 



XV111 PREFACE. 

throwing herself on the mercy of 
the critics, she entreats their for- 
bearance, in regard to the numerous 
errors with which this essay will be 
discovered to abound. 

Dr* Wilmot distinguished his 
niece with his most affectionate 
regard. She passed her early life 
under his protection, until her mar- 
riage; and, after that event, fre- 
quently visited her venerable rela- 
tive, until his death in 1807. 

Accident produced the important 
discovery : so long, and so anxiously 
wished for by the literary and poli- 
tical world. The Editor, at the age 
of fourteen, had taken a book of 
M.S. from her uncle's library, in 



PREFACE. XIX 

order to make sketches, and scribble 
in the blank leaves, of which there 
were many. Being afterwards ap- 
prehensive of his displeasure, she 
acknowledges that she was induced 
to conceal the book ; and, in order 
to prevent its being examined by any 
of the servants, she usually had it 
wrapped in paper, and secreted from 
observation ; but at the same time 
without the least idea of what mere 
accident has since discovered. 

On her marriage, the Editor re- 
quested of her uncle some of his 
sermons, and a few of his classical 
essays, to keep as a testimony of his 
regard. She knew he had several 
cabinets and boxes filled with writ- 
b 2 



XX PREFACE. 

ings of the like nature. " I am not 
" going to die yet, Olivia," he re- 
plied : " when next you visit me, I 
" shall select some of my writings 
" for your acceptance." 

From motives of love and respect, 
the Editor continued to preserve the 
book of which she had possessed 
herself. She was not, however, in 
the practice of opening it ; nor did 
she, to the best of her recollection, 
ever show it to any one, except to 
the Rev. Edward Whitmore, brother- 
in-law to the late Mr. Lechmere, of 
Hanley Castle, Worcestershire, who 
casting his eye on one of the pages, 
supposed it of no consequence, as 
it appeared to be nothing but a 
common place book. 



PREFACE. Xxi 

From time to time Dr. Wilmot 
delayed looking over his writings, 
to give the Editor those he had pro- 
mised her. Having been deprived 
of his sight seven years before his 
death, she did not venture to touch 
again on the subject. 

About two years before his de- 
cease, our author desired the school- 
master of Long Compton might be 
sent for to the rectory. " He is a 
" poor but honest man/' the Doctor 
observed: " I have some important 
" matters for him to execute, and I 
" know his integrity." His orders 
were obeyed ; and when the school- 
master arrived at Barton, he was sum- 
moned, with the housekeeper, into 
b 3 



XXU PREFACE. 



his apartment. The Doctor caused 
them solemnly to promise to obey his 
commands, as he should soon be 
a dying man, and had but one mea-* 
sure to complete. They both pledg- 
ed themselves to obey his orders. 
" Take, then, my keys," said he, 
$ and burn on the platform before 
(C the house all the bags and boxes 
" of writings you can discover, in 
<c the cabinets in my bed-room." 
This command was unexpected: — - 
but it was scrupulously obeyed. 
Every paper in the various reposi- 
tories was committed to the flames ; 
and, in order that the business should 
be completely done, the other ser- 
vants were placed to watch the pro- 
gress of destruction. Thus nearly 



PREFACE. XX1U 

seven hundred sermons, and other 
valuable writings, carefully sealed 
up in bags and packets, were lost 
to the world. 

The housekeeper had lived many 
years at the rectory. She wept ex- 
ceedingly on the occasion, and de- 
clared nothing could be more vexing 
than this determination of her mas- 
ter's : " It is enough," said she, to use 
her own words, " to make a body 
" crazy, to behold such sad doings!" 

When our author was asked the 
reason for destroying his papers, he 
would answer in these remarkable 
words : 

< c The mind's resolves should e'er unshaken be." 

His relatives, as well as acquain- 
b 4 



XXIV PREFACE. 

tance, had eagerly anticipated the 
publication of his sermons. But 
their hopes experienced an irreme- 
diable disappointment. The inte- 
grity of Dr. Wilmot formed a part 
of his very existence ; and a steady 
adherence to his word distinguished 
his actions throughout a long and 
respectable life. It is a well-ground- 
ed supposition, that, amongst the 
papers thus destroyed, there were 
many relative to the publication of 
the Letters of Junius, as well as other 
valuable manuscripts on the political 
history of the times. " I am the sole 
u depositary of my own secret, and 
" it shall perish with me" is an ex- 
pression of Junius. The blindness 



PREFACE. XXV 

of Dr. Wilmot prevented him from 
arranging and separating his papers, 
and therefore, that no trace even of 
his hand-writing shonld be left be- 
hind, they were all involved, as he 
supposed, in one common destruction. 
But this expression of Junius must 
be taken only in a general sense ; for 
it is impossible that such an under- 
taking as the letters of that writer 
could have been carried on without 
the political assistance and confiden- 
tial communication of others. 

It is certainly a curious circum- 
stance, that the MS. book, taken 
by the editor to scribble in, when a 
child, should contain memoranda, 
that prove beyond contradiction Dr. 



XXVI PREFACE. 

Wilmot to be the long concealed 
author of the Letters of Junius. 
Mr. Woodfall informed her, that 
Junius was supposed to be a clergy- 
man, and about middle age, Dr. 
Wilmot must have been in his forty- 
seventh year, (having been born in 
1726) when he completed the cele- 
brated letters in question. 

In regard to that writer's residence 
in London, Dr. Wilmot constantly 
lived in town for many winters, 
until he eventually retired from 
public life in 1773-4. On such 
occasions he usually remained either 
at the mansion of Lord Plymouth, 
that of Lord Winterton, and fre- 
quently with his sister Olive Payne, 



PREFACE. XXVll 

the lady of Captain Payne, a res- 
pectable merchant, to whose chil- 
dren he became guardian jointly 
with Sir William Curtis. 

It is a well-established fact, that 
our author was a man of extensive 
talents, and liberal education. His 
acquaintance with the laws and 
constitution of this country was ex- 
ceeded by few. His income was 
independent ; and such was his 
general introduction among the 
higher circles, that no public measure, 
no ministerial intrigue, no domestic 
incident took place, but he acquired 
the immediate knowledge of all the 
circumstances. 

Dr. Wilmot lived in habits of 



XXV111 PREFACE. 



friendship and confidence with some 

of the most distinguished characters 

of the age : Among them were Mr. 

Grenville, Lords Northington, Shel- 

burne, and Sackville, together with 

the celebrated Mr. Wilkes, Mr. 

Thurlow, and Mr. Dunning. The 

late Bishop of Worcester, Lords 

Plymouth, Archer, Sondes, Bathurst, 

Grosvenor, Craven, and Abingdon, 

were on terms of intimacy with him, 

more particularly the three first 

named noblemen. He was well 

acquainted with many members of 

the administration from 1766 to 

1773 ; and there is no question, but 

that his political information was 

derived from these sources. 



PREFACE. XXIX 

During the period that Lord 
Northington was Chancellor, the 
Archbishop of Canterbury was the 
friend and patron of our author. 
His intimacy with the Northington 
family was owing to his having been 
a schoolfellow of Sir James Wright 
at Warwick, where his mother Lady 
Wright resided ; at College the two 
friends kept up their acquaintance, 
and it continued without interruption 
until the death of Sir James. 

Dr. Wilmot enjoyed the esteem 
and friendship of Lord Bathurst, 
Lord Archer, and Lord Plymouth, 
to both of which last named noble- 
men he was auditor. He also pos- 
sessed the confidence of their res- 



XXX PREFACE. 



pective consorts. His honor and 
integrity were such as to endear him 
to all those who were acquainted 
with his talents and principles. Those 
gentlemen who are still in existence 
and who knew him intimately, will 
attest the independence of his mind, 
of that ardent spirit, and attention 
to his personal connections, which 
formed the general characteristics of 
his disposition. 

It was extremely natural, under 
all the circumstances, that the author 
of Junius should be apprehensive of 
any discovery taking place. Sur- 
rounded by some of those whom he 
reproved, and confidentially entrust- 
ed by others with their political 



PREFACE. XXXI 

dislike of the administration of the 
day, had the author been revealed 
to the knowledge of the world, his 
party must also have been exposed 
to the animadversions of the public, 
and implicated in such a discovery. 
The editor could enlarge infinitely 
on the political intrigues of those 
times, were it not that there are still 
some persons in existence, whose 
feelings would be wounded, not only 
in regard to themselves, but on ac- 
count of those who are now no more, 
and whom they valued as dearest 
relatives and friends. 

The intimate acquaintance our 
author had with Lord Shelburae 



XXXli PEEFACE. 

was well known ; and there cannot 
exist a doubt but that his Lordship 
was well aware of Dr. Wilmot being 
the writer of those Letters which 
afforded so much entertainment and 
instruction to the public. 

Educated in Whig principles, and 
retaining them from a conviction of 
their being founded on rectitude, his 
prejudices against Toryism were 
fixed and rooted ; and to its tendency 
at Court, Dr. Wilmot invariably 
ascribed all the misfortunes of the 
present reign. His inveterate dis- 
like to Lord Bute had its origin in 
this. The principles his Lordship 
had inculcated into the mind of his 



PREFACE. XXXlU 

royal pupil, he frequently observed, 
would bring heavy calamities on the 
country. 

He was preceptor to Lord North, 
while at the University. But it was 
the Doctor's opinion that his Lord- 
ship had not imbibed many of those 
patriotic principles which he had 
once endeavoured to inculcate on his 
pupil's mind. On the contrary, he 
would often observe, thathis admi- 
nistration was such as called for the 
most painful animadversions. 

It is well known to those friends of 
Dr. Wilmot who are still in existence, 
that his independency of mind was 
such, as to preclude any idea what- 
ever of intriguing for preferment in 

c 



XXXIV PREFACE, 



the profession he belonged to, and 
that no circumstance of profit, in- 
terest, or advantage, could shake any 
of the determined purposes of his 
soul. The expression, " / am above 
" a common bribe" which Junius 
makes use of, denotes the pride of 
principle so eminently possessed by 
Dr. Wiimot, whose opinion once 
fixed, no human power could alter, 
and whose political apostacy, nor 
rank, nor riches could purchase. 
His mind was too greatly elevated 
to make self any consideration what- 
ever in his worldly pursuits. His 
dignified manners, classical acquire- 
ments, and ready wit, were well 
Juiown to his private friends. To 



PREFACE^ XXXV 

those who were accustomed to hear 
his arguments and opinions, to know 
his love of the constitution, his 
advocacy in favour of the people,— his 
general knowledge, — his burning 
glow of patriotism — all conspired to 
evince, that the same sentiments 
which shone so conspicuously in 
Junius, were also the sentiments of 
that m,a?i, whom the editor with 
pride and pleasure announces to the 
world, as the author of the cele- 
brated Letters. 

That her uncle was the author of 
the Letters of Junius, the editor 
possesses not a single doubt. Ene- 
mies, unquestionably, will start up, 
to impede, if possible, the progress 

c 2 



xxxvi preface: 

of truth ; but clothed by that 
just principle, as if in a coat of 
mail, she will meet every oppo- 
sition to her statements, confident 
of the integrity of her sentiments. 
The character of her late respected 
uncle will bear the closest investiga- 
tion that can be entered into upon 
this most important and interesting 
subject. It is not for her to enter 
into the labyrinth of argument to 
disprove the claims of those pre- 
tended writers of Junius, whose 
false statements have increased the 
difficulty of public opinion ; but 
she fearlessly ushers her proofs 
into the world, convinced that men 
of discernment will never hesitate 



PREFACE. XXXV11 

to separate the corn from the 
chaff. 

Entrusted with family secrets, as 
well as the political opinions of se- 
veral exalted characters in the king- 
dom, it was the honour and the fide- 
lity of Dr. Wilmot that rendered 
him dear to all who knew him ; 
they were aware that his mind was 
strong, and that a promise, passing 
his lips, would be sacredly remem- 
bered. It was the most difficult 
thing in the world to possess his 
confidence ; it required a length of 
time — for he narrowly inspected men 
and manners. 

Our author was an uncommon 
admirer of merit, wherever he found 
c 3 



xxxviii PREFACE. 

it ; but where he saw the least servi- 
lity, or an inclination in the slightest 
degree to lessen the noble dignity of 
manhood, he would avoid the so- 
ciety of such persons with contemp- 
tuous disdain. 

It has been stated, that our author 
was in the habits of strict intimacy 
with Lords Plymouth and Archer, 
and that to both of these noblemen 
he was auditor : a situation not mere- 
ly of profit, but of confidence and 
extensive patronage. Hence, con- 
sidered as he was in the family of 
these noble Lords, and particularly 
in that of Lord Archer, the oppor- 
tunity of knowing various circum- 
stances of state, so as to give effect 



PREFACE. XXXix 

to the letters he introduced to the 
notice of the public, was not lost 
upon him. And as Lord Archer 
did not act, on any particular occa^ 
sion, without consulting his friend 
Dr. Wilmot, and exhibiting to his 
political experience every thought he 
possessed ; so it is fair to infer, that 
the remarkable protest, entered into 
by his Lordship and eighteen other 
Lords, on the 13th of February, 
1771, concerning the ministerial re- 
gulations as they regarded the Port 
of Egmont, was the production of 
the Author of the Letters of Junius. 
And this protest was made after 
an address of thanks was voted by 
both houses of parliament. That; in 
c 4 



xl PREFACE. 

the Commons was carried, after a 
long debate, by a very considerable 
majority. The numbers for the ad- 
dress being 271, and 157 against it, 
who also voted for the amendment. 
In this declaration are the following 
sentiments : 

" We have never entertained the 
" thought of invalidating this public 
" act ; but if ministers may not be 
" censured, or even punished, for 
" treaties which, though valid, are 
" injurious to the national interest 
u and honour, without a supposition 
" of the breach of public faith in 
** this house, that should censure or 
" punish, or of a breach of the laws 
" of humanity in those who propose 



PREFACE. Xlt 

" such censure or punishment — the 
" use of the peers, as a controul on 
" ministers, and as the best as well 
u as the highest council of the Crown, 
" will be rendered of no avail, &c. 
u &c. (Signed) 

u Richmond, Audley, 
" Bolton, King, 

u Manchester, Torrington, 
" Tankerville, Milton, 
" Chatham, Abergavenny, 
" Wycombe, Fitzwilliam, 
f Craven, Ponsonby, 

" Boyle, Scarborough, 

u Devonshire, Archer/' 
Lord Radnor was the remaining 
peer out of the preceding number, 



Xlii PREFACE. 

who entered into a separate protest 
on the general principles which had 
regulated the dissenting opinions of 
the others. 

In Mr. Woodfall's late publica- 
tion, page 219, vol. 1. Junius, in a 
private letter to the printer of the 
Public Advertiser, says, ff I find 
" myself unexpectedly married in 
" the newspapers, without my know- 
" ledge or consent. Since I am 
" fated to be a husband, I hope at 
" least the Lady will perform the 
" principal duty of a wife." This 
witty sally proceeded from the pen 
of a bachelor. Had Junius been 
actually a married man, he would 



PREFACE. Xlili 

not have written, " since I am fated 

* to be a husband" Dr. Wilniot 
died a bachelor. 

In another letter he says, " I have 

# been absent from town for a few 
& weeks." From holding the office 
of auditor to Lords Plymouth and 
Archer, our author consequently was 
under the necessity of being some- 
times in the country for a short 
period. Until the living of Solihull 
was given away by their Lordships, 
as stated in his life, Dr. Wilmot 
absented himself, and remained 
at the house of his sister Payne. 
Although he was on the most 
friendly and affectionate terms with 
these noblemen, yet he determined 



xllV PREFACE. 

never to ask any favour at their 
hands. This circumstance tallies 
with the time alluded to in the 
letter. 

Mr. G. Onslow was intimate with 
Dr. Wilmot for many years. But 
it appears, from some letters which 
were looked into by the editor, that 
a serious misunderstanding took 
place between them in 1764. 

Mr. Willes was a gentleman of 
extensive talent and refined educa- 
tion. Some of his letters and essays, 
written at a very early age, and 
signed X. X., were in Dr. Wilmot's 
possession. The general tenor of 
the letter dated Nov. 20th, 1769, 
in Junius, is greatly in his stile and 



PREFACE. xlv 

diction. He was on the most con- 
fidential footing with our author. 

On reading the letter addressed by 
Cambriensis to the Duke of Cum- 
berland, the stile most forcibly struck 
the editor, as the exact portrait of 
Dr. Wilmot's wit, irony, sense, and 
judgment. 

The editor is fully convinced, both 
from the conversation of our author 
and the letters which were addressed 
to him by Mr. Wilkes, that Lords 
Archer, Shelburne, and Chatham, 
were firmly united, in secretly op- 
posing the Dukes of Bedford and 
Grafton, and Lord North; while 
they endeavoured to effect such 



Xlvi PREFACE. 

changes in the administration, as 
might forward their own views. 

The editor begs to state, that she has 
seen papers (now recalled to her recol- 
lection) which convince her that her 
uncle was the author of Junius, and 
establish this conviction beyond the 
shadow of a doubt. Lords Shelburne, 
Ashburton, Archer, and Craven, Mr. 
H. Beauclerk, Mr. Wilkes, and the 
Doctor, were in 1771 engaged in 
some very important political pro- 
ceedings. While she was, in 1791, 
looking over a vast collection of 
papers of different descriptions, by 
the command of her uncle, Miss 
Wilmot found in a red morocco 



PREFACE. Xlvii 

pocket-book, a check for «s£500, 
signed *********; along with this r 
was a bank-note for ^20, which the 
editor presented to him. The Doc- 
tor taking them both into his hand, 
remarked, " how curious, Noll ; your 
" hand is singularly lucky ; I am 
" obliged to you for the discovery.'* 
He then burnt the check, and put 
the note into his purse. He told 
some of his friends afterwards visit- 
ing the Rectory, that the latter 
was twenty years old. But he never 
mentioned the circumstance of the 
check ; the editor ventured one 
day to ask him respecting it ; he 
frowned^ and spoke angrily, desiring 
her never to remind him of the 



xlviii PREPACK. 

circumstance. Then recalling him- 
self, he said, " from the time I re- 
" ceived that check, I learnt the true 
" character of men ; but I have sa~ 
" tisfied my feelings by committing 
" it to the flames. It was not dis- 
¥: honoured ; I never presented it for 
" payment." This circumstance is 
now more particularly impressed on 
the mind of the editor. 

In the Preliminary Essays, p. 130, 
Vol. L prefixed to Mr. Woodfall's 
edition of Junius, in the account of 
the various pretenders to the name 
of that writer, is the name of Gene- 
ral Lee, who, it is observed, was an 
inveterate oppugner of Mr. G. Gren- 
ville's Stamp Act. The measure 



PREFACE. xlix 

was no doubt obnoxious to the Gene- 
ral. But Junius never would have 
carried arms against his country, nor 
shed the blood of his brethren. Dr. 
Wilmot frequently reprobated Lee's 
conduct, and was heard to declare, 
that " an Englishman should live 
" and fall in the service of the 
" kingdom in which he was born." 

Mr. Rodney says, General Lee 
acknowledged the secret rested with 
himself; nay, that he told his friend, 
he was the author, and not contented 
with so despicable a falsehood, he 
endeavoured by every means, how- 
ever futile and inconsistent, to sub- 
stantiate his claim of being " the 
u genuine Junius." And was General 



I PREFACE. 

Lee mad ? was he intoxicated, or 
under the influence of a vain-glorious 
presumption ? Would Junius, after 
the wonderful pains he took for con- 
cealment, have discovered himself in 
so flippant a manner, every way un- 
like the dignity so conspicuous in 
each feature of that remarkable man ? 
Besides, a Junius, in the moment of 
danger and difficulty, would never 
have deserted his country. 

Mr. Woodfall considered Junius 
to be a person connected with the 
most illustrious characters of the age 
he lived in. The connections of Dr. 
Wilmot, at the exact period in which 
the Letters of Junius appeared, were 
such as to corroborate Mr. Wood- 



PREFACE. H 

fall's opinion, and that our Doctor was 
the author. Persons of the most dis- 
tinguished rank, talents, and power, 
honoured him with their confidence, 
their regard and friendship. 

The circumstances of Junius were 
conceived to be easy, and sufficient- 
ly affluent to render him independent 
in life. Dr. Wilmot, as has already 
been stated, was auditor to Lords 
Plymouth, Archer, and Sondes. The 
income he derived from these offices, 
the emoluments arising from his 

Fellowship, and his other property, 

> 
altogether afforded him means amply 

sufficient, had not the generous libe- 
rality of his disposition, during his 
intercourse with the great world, 
d2 



lii Preface. 

caused him to exceed the limits of 
his expenditure. 

It was about this time that the 
Letters of Junius were written- He 
lived profusely, in the constant so- 
ciety of the most illustrious person- 
ages of the times. 

The late Mr.Woodfall thought 
Junius was a clergyman; that 
opinion agrees with the profession 
of Dr. Wilmot : and in regard to 
Mr. Jackson's saying, that " a tall 
" gentleman in a coach delivered 
" one of the letters of Junius ; ' 
it is remarkable, that Dr. Wilmot 
was six feet two inches in stature. 

As to some of the Letters of 
Junius being sealed with a coronet, 



PREFACE. liU 

that was likely ; Dr. Wilmot might 
have used the respective seals of 
Lords Plymouth, Archer, and 
Sondes. The editor has in her 
possession a seal with a coronet, 
which belonged to her uncle. 

Respecting the knowledge Junius 
possessed of Garrick's conduct at 
Richmond, Dr. Wilmot, from his 
intimacy with the late Bishop of 
Worcester, preceptor to the Prince, 
would no doubt receive much infor- 
mation. Resides, he had frequently 
the honour to read to the Princess 
Amelia, aunt to his present Majesty,* 
d 3 

* Dr. Wilmot preached before her Majesty on her 
early acquaintance with England, and it has been stated 
that her Majesty was heard to declare, that he was the 
only English clergyman whom she could understand. 



llV PREFACE. 

and was well known to the late Duke 
of Gloucester, and several branches 
of the Waldegrave family. He was 
also acquainted -with some of the 
chaplains at St. James's. From these 
sources he no doubt derived all his 
information, relative to the transac- 
tion at Richmond. 

The knowledge that Junius pos- 
sessed of the affairs of the Duke of 
Bedford arose unquestionably from 
the intimacy he had with various 
branches of the Russell Family. A 
sense of ambitious policy, as well as 
injury, often divides the interests of 
a house. 

Mr. Henry 4 Beauclerk, Dr. Wil- 
mot's friend, wa^ well acquainted 



PREFACE. IV 

with every thing that concerned the 
Duke of Grafton. He intrigued with 
Miss Parsons, his Grace's mistress ; 
and was constantly in the society of 
Mr. Wilkes, Mr. Dunning, Lord 
Sackville, and Dr. Wilmot. In all 
probability Mr. Beauclerk was one 
of the confidants of Junius: and as 
he was an exceeding tall and hand- 
some man, he might have been the 
person in the bag and sword who 
delivered one of the letters at Wood- 
falFs. And this plan was doubtless 
used by the Doctor to prevent a 
discovery of the real author. 

That Junius resided constantly in 
the west end of the town, no $oubt 
can be entertained. Dr. Wilmot's 

d 4 



lvi PREFACE. 

residence was always in that quarter; 
and when he made any excursion to 
Oxford, he seldom remained at that 
place more than a day or two. Lord 
Plymouth's house was in Bruton 
Street ; his sister Payne lived in 
Westminster ; the Piazza Coffee- 
house, Nando's, Dolly's, the Ex- 
change Coffee-house, and the So- 
merset Coffee-house, were all used 
by him ; and these circumstances 
strengthen the statement now before 
the public. 

The original Letters of Junius, it 
appears from Mr. Woodfall's state- 
ment, are written on the same kind 
of paper with the manuscript book 
in the possession of the editor, bear- 



PREFACE. Ivil 

ing the same water-mark, and of a 
foreign make. The autograph of 
Dr. Wilmot corresponds exactly with 
that of Junius. Fac similes of the 
hand- writing are annexed to this 
work ; and those parts are selected 
which form another convincing proof 
that Dr. Wilmot was the author of 
Junius. 

When Junius said, " his secret 
" should perish with him," it is not 
supposed so much integrity and 
merit could be deficient in stability. 
Dr. Wilmot ordered all his manu- 
scripts to be destroyed ; he had his 
reasons for so particular a resolution, 
and he inflexibly maintained it, con- 
trary to the wishes and entreaties of 



Iviii PREFACE. 

his relatives and friends. " Not a 
f writing of mine shall be given to 
" the world/ 5 he said; " I prefer the 
U welfare of others, and those I have 
" valued in life, to every gratification 
% of my own; the honour of a 

" MAN SHOULD NEVER RE SEEN IN 
" A LESSENING STATE." 

Thus the finest sermons, classical 
essays, and literary as well as poli- 
tical productions, were irretrievably 
lost/ 1 ' After the burning took place, 
he ate his dinner with greater appe- 

* The editor, after Dr. Wilmot's death, burned 
several rolls of paper, the writings on which were in 
cyphers, and done very neatly. There were two bags 
of papers found after his decease, which she examined, 
and which contained many curious anecdotes of living 
characters. 



PREFACE. lix 

tite than usual, and was in high 
spirits the whole of the evening. u I 
" am not dissatisfied with myself: 
" I have no secret upbraidings," he 
observed ; then, laying his hand up- 
on his heart : " the shades of my 
" departed friends will now welcome 
" me shortly to a better life," was 
uttered with the utmost fervency. 

The editor believes, that amongst 
those papers so destroyed, were co- 
pies of the letters sent to the Public 
Advertiser, under the signature of 
Junius; and also the various com- 
munications made to him by his 
political friends, and which aided 
him in writing the strictures on the 
administration of the times. Being 



be PREFACE. 

blind, he was unable to examine the 
papers ; and being unwilling to place 
them in the hands of any one to 
peruse, he took the only effectual 
method in his power to bury most 
of them in eternal oblivion. The 
secrets of others were at all times 
most sacredly respected by him, and 
he always sacrificed every considera- 
tion of his. own to the wishes of his 
friends. Very frequently he declared, 
that he had been entrusted with the 
highest and most important affairs, 
both civil and political, in the meri- 
dian of his life. 

Junius retired soon after the com- 
pletion of his political labours. At 
the very time Mr. Woodfall lost sight 



PREFACE. lxt 

of him, Dr. Wilmot, from the death 
of several illustrious friends, and 
other causes, returned to Warwick. 
It was known, he had been engaged 
in some political transactions of con- 
sequence. Towards the end of the 
year 1773 he secluded himself in the 
house of his brother Robert, at St. 
John's, Warwick. He emploj^ed 
three months in private writing, re- 
ceiving no company whatever. His 
retirement was such, that his friends 
of the county did not know at that 
time of his even being in Warwick. 
The gardens and extensive grounds 
of St. John's, afforded him an op- 
portunity of preserving his health by 
the exercise of walkings Two or 



kii PREFACE, 

three of Mr. Robert Wilmot's 
servants had lived upwards of thirty 
years in the family, and therefore the 
Doctor could depend on their fidelity, 
while they waited on him. All the 
letters which arrived at Warwick for 
him, were enclosed under cover to 
his brother ; who, in later life, used 
to talk frequently of that mysterious 
circumstance, saying at the same 
time, his brother possessed the most 
noble integrity, and that none had 
ever been so confidentially entrusted 
with the knowledge of the political 
transactions of the day. 

Mr. Robert Wilmot also observed, 
that our author kept up a constant 
correspondence with some of the 



PREFACE, Ixiii 

highest noblemen in the realm, and 
that packets would go three times a 
week to London, many of which 
were directed to Mr. Wilkes, and 
others addressed to his confidants at 
the Bedford and Storey's-Gate coffee- 
houses. Sometimes twenty or thirty 
letters would arrive daily from 
London in parcels, and several were 
sealed with the arms of noblemen 
with whom he had been in the habits 
of intimacy. Mr. Wilmot would 
often observe his brother to have an 
exceeding perplexity of thought, 
and that he would frequently sit up 
Writing half the night. 

The mansion being a spacious old- 
fashioned building, the Doctor had 



lxiv PREFACE. 

a suit of apartments in the north 
wing, remote from the family* where 
none, but the servants already allu- 
ded to, his brother and sister-in-law, 
together with his venerable mother, 
were allowed to visit him. It was 
political ingratitude, and the death of 
some valued friends, his brother de- 
clared, was the occasion of the 
Doctor's abandonment of the gay 
world. 

That Dr. Wilmot was rigidly 
severe in his general criticisms on 
mankind, all who kiiow him will 
with justice acknowledge. His mind 
was intrepid, his penetration strong 
and decisive ; of a proud and inde- 
pendent spirit, he entertained no 



PREFACE. lxv 

consideration for rank, when the vices 
of the mind betrayed themselves for 
his animadversion or reproof; dissi- 
mulation was so foreign to his 
nature, that his sentiments were 
dictated by plain unvarnished truth. 
Hence, upon all occasions, he boldly 
expressed his opinions, and never 
suffered power, interest, or corrup- 
tion, to seduce the sincerity of his 
soul. 

In 1773-4 he was seldom out of 
his native county. But in that year 
a meeting took place between him 
and two noblemen at the Three Tuns, 
Warwick. Three days were passed 
in their society. It was supposed, 
that the political opinion and advice 



IXVI PREFACE. 

of our author was requested by 

them, for he said to his brother a 

few days after these interviews, 

" what a temptation have I resisted ! 

" but there is no dependence on the 

" oromises of statesmen ! I will not 
j. 

u become a cat's-paw, or perhaps, 
" I might, Bob, possess myself of a 
" mitre. They are now convinced, 
" integrity is not easily purchased, 
" and that honest men are desirable 
" friends? — From motives of deli- 
cacy to the families of these noble- 
men, the editor does not mention 
their names. 

Mr. Burke corresponded with Dr. 
Wilmot about this period. Several 
of the letters the editor has seen ; 



PREFACE, lxvil 

they were not legibly written, and so 
much interlined, as to make it dif- 
ficult to read them. But it appeared 
that our author and Mr, Burke had 
been intimate friends. The letters 
generally contained political subjects, 
and the Doctor was always desired 
by his correspondent to commit 
them to the flames, as soon as 
read. 

Mr. Burke and the Doctor had, 
however, a serious misunderstanding 
relative to Mr. Wilkes, and from 
that time the Doctor broke off the 
acquaintance. He often mentioned 
that Mr. Burke had no less than 
three times broken his faith with 
him; and this, to our author, was 
e 2 



lxviii 



PREFACE. 



a crime of the deepest die. " I 
" pity my old friend Edmund ! " he 
would say, "but I shall never 
" alter my opinion ; I have de- 
" termined to live and die the same 
" character ; however the prosperity 
" of my weather-cock friends may 
" admonish me, that mine, in point 
" of worldly interest, has been a 
" losing game, there is one thing 
" I still possess, a satisfactory, and 
" an applauding conscience ; it will 
" attend me to the grave." 

Dr. Wilmot did not entertain a ve- 
hement dislike to those public charac- 
ters, who were of different opinions 
to his own. He reprobated the incor- 
rigible depravity of those only, who 



PREFACE. Ixix 

were improperly entrusted with the 
liberties of the people; and it was 
his anxious wish to benefit his fellow 
subjects by the powerful efforts of his 
pen. What risk, what danger, did 
he not run to benefit the community? 
What labours did he not perform? 
It was avarice, and a general mis- 
conception of politics, which he re- 
proved in the Duke of Bedford ; 
Junius justly considered the errors of 
one individual should not be per- 
mitted to occasion the misery of 
thousands of his fellow-men in such 
a state as Britain. Justice, patriot- 
ism, and philanthropy actuated all 
his intentions. Where no danger is 
incurred by a steady adherence to 
e .3 



1XX PREFACE, 

our political opinion, little merit is to 
be attached to our endeavours of a 
public nature. 

A circumstance which took place 
in 1765 is worth relating. The 
Doctor was by an anonymous 
letter appointed to meet the writer 
in Kensington Gardens. The invi- 
tation was written in Latin. The 
seal was a Medusa's head, an an- 
tique, and finely cut. The post- 
mark of the letter was Gerard Street. 
The Doctor did not consider the 
letter worthy of attention, until a 
second, third, and fourth were sent. 
Impelled by curiosity, he put a pair 
of small pistols in his pocket, and 
attended the appointment. To his 



PREFACE, IxXl 

great surprise, he was accosted by 
one of the greatest political cha- 
racters of the" age, whose person he 
well knew. From that circumstance 
most of the brilliant circumstances 
of his life had their origin. 

When conversing of such matters 
he would remark, that " Saturday 
" through life had been to him a 
" day the most fortunate, having 
" generally observed, that any good 
" fortune which had attended him 
" had happened on that day of the 
" week." And he would also ob- 
serve, that on his making acquain- 
tance with the nobleman alluded to 
(Lord W.), that several of his most 
e 4 



lxxil PREFACE. 

illustrious friends had such an in- 
troduction in contemplation. 

Many of Mr. Dunning's letters 
to Dr. Wilmot, while the latter was 
in London, contained invitations to 
his Chambers. Others had the sig- 
nature of Lord Ashburton. The 
Bedford and Piazza Coffee-houses 
were often the places of appointment, 
and the name of Lord S. was fre- 
quently mentioned in the letters. 
Whether this initial designated the 
title of Lord Shelburne or Sherborne 
it is impossible to say, but there is 
sufficient probability to authorise the 
supposition it meant the first named 
nobleman, more particularly, when 



PREFACE. Ixxiil 

the subsequent conduct of that no- 
bleman to Dr. Wilmot is taken into 
consideration. 

In many of Mr. Wilkes's letters, 
he congratulated the Doctor on his 
success and triumph ; and exhorted 
him to persevere in the glorious 

PATH HE HAD CHOSEN. " The 

" ministers are tottering ; their ve- 
" nalities are too public for their 
U continuance in power/' were some 
of the sentiments contained in one of 
Mr. Wilkes's letters. 

Previous to Mr. Fox's coalition 
with Lord North, Dr. Wilmot great- 
ly admired that celebrated statesman. 
In his latter years he lamented much 
the circumstances that rendered Mr. 



lxXlV PREFACE. 

Fox inexcusable in his idea. " The 
" laurels of his former days are 
" faded," said the Doctor, " there is 
" a dark spot in his horoscope, that 
¥ ages will painfully contemplate. 
" I once supposed that Mr. Fox 
" lived for the benefit of others, 
P more than for any consideration of 
" self. But the principles of some 
" men are reversed in advanced life, 
" and the original superiority of 
" their conduct most unfortunately 
" obscured by a lessening sense of 
" integrity/' 

Mr. Dyer was often the subject 
of conversation with Dr. Wilmot, 
and he described him as a man of 
talents. Although he was very inti- 



PREFACE. IxXV 

mate with our author, he was the 
unfortunate cause of much vexation 
to him. Mr. Dyer was most inti- 
mately acquainted with Lord Arch- 
er; and, during dinner one day, a 
debate arising on a political subject 
started by Mr. Dyer, the Doctor 
took occasion to deliver his opinions 
in the free manner he had been ac- 
customed. Our authors sentiments 
greatly offended Mr. Dyer. High 
words ensued : and with the feelings 
of a gentleman the Doctor retired. 
Mr. Dyer never forgave himself for 
his injustice to his friend Wilmot. 
Previous to his death, which hap- 
pened soon after, he solicited the 



IXXVl PREFACE. 

Doctor's forgiveness, which was rea- 
dily granted. And almost his last 
words were : " Wilmot is the great- 
" est of men — I was unworthy of 
" his friendship. 5 ' 

Had Mr. Dyer lived, the spirit of 
Dr. Wilmot would have shewn itself 
decidedly. He seldom quarrelled 
with any of his friends ; but, pos- 
sessed of the nicest sense of honour, 
although he easily forgave, yet he 
never passed over any intentional 
insult offered to him. 

The generosity of Dr. Wilmot's 
temper, as well as the severity of 
his criticisms on the times, was pro- 
verbial. But whenever he approved, 



PREFACE. lxxvii 

it was without the least taint of dis- 
simulation. Sincerity regular d his 
general conduct towards mankind. 

Lord Shelburne was deceived in 
some of the political arrangements 
of Lord North, whose measures he 
secretly condemned ; a circumstance 
often mentioned by Dr. Wilmot : 
and he would say, that, a humble 
" as I reside here, at my rectory, I 
" once possessed a knowledge of the 
" highest concerns of my country ; 
" and there never was a cabinet 
" so divided, as during the pe- 
" riod of Lord North's adminis- 
" tration. The friendship of years 
" was lost in the opposition of a 



lxxviii PREFACE. 

" day ; relative contended against 
" relative, statesman against states- 
" man ; and I can only recollect 
" about five or six characters, who 
" conscientiously studied the welfare 
" of the community," 

From what has been collected of 
the conversation of Dr. Wilmot, it 
may be inferred, that several of the 
illustrious characters mentioned in 
the letters of Junius were introduced 
to him after the commencement of 
his vast political undertaking; and 
that they were solicitous to obtain 
his friendship. Lord Archer, ima- 
gining it would serve the Doctor, 
unknown to him, engaged to intro- 
duce him to Lord Chatham. He 



PREFACE. IXXIX 

commended to that eminent states- 
man the talents and integrity of his 
auditor, and a$ the Doctor himself 
related, by his officious kindness, 
once placed him in a most perplexing 
situation. But, as he feelingly ex- 
pressed himself, f all this tends to 
" prove, that it is owing to the good 
" opinion of others, not to any 
" servile endeavours of my own, 
" that I became confidentially en- 
* trusted with affairs of importance/ 5 
The sorrows of the Marchioness of 
Tavistock penetrated the feeling heart 
of our worthy Doctor. He was well 
acquainted with the virtues of that 
noble lady, and he sincerely sympa- 
thised in her misfortunes. He also 



1XXX PREFACE, 

knew one or two other members of 
the Russell family, which, as it more 
frequently occurs in exalted life, was 
a divided one. The liberal principle 
which belonged to the younger 
branches of that noble house, in 
no wise accorded with the parsimo- 
nous prudence of the Duke. At the 
advanced age of his grace, Junius 
felt it incumbent on him to point out 
his errors for reformation. As a 
clergyman, fidelity to the tenets of his 
religion demanded his perseverance 
in endeavouring to rouse his grace's 
conscience to the feelings of contri- 
tion. To admonish and reprove, is 
a duty incumbent on every clergy- 
man, whenever vice, immorality, or 



PREFACE. Ixxxi 

injustice demand his attention. As a 
patriot, the interests of his country 
were dearer to the heart of Junius 
than the smiles of the great, or the 
friendship of the powerful. Such 
splendid talents and judgment as 
were possessed by Junius, were not 
bestowed for him to be idly inactive; 
for where much is given, much is 
required. The mind of Dr. Wilmot 
was ever alive to the intentions of his 
being. 

Mr. WoodfalFs edition of Junius 
proves that he commenced his letters 
to the public in 1167, about which 
period both Mr. Home Tooke, as 
well as Mr. Wilkes, were at Paris, 
and forms one reason amongst many 



lxXXli PREFACE. 

that neither of these gentlemen could 
be the author of the Letters. 

Almost all Mr. Woodfall's opinions 
as to the character, profession, disposi- 
tion and talents of Junius, perfectly 
coincide with those of Dr. Wilmot. 
The style of the Letters of Junius 
corresponds with that used by Dr, 
Wilmot in his extensive correspon- 
dence with his friends. It even agrees 
with his general mode of conversa- 
tion. His strength of mind and 
solidity of judgment could only be 
surpassed by the integrity of his 
disposition, which evinced itself on 
every occasion during his long and 
meritorious life. 

An impartial discriminator may 



PREFACE. lxxxiil 

readily infer, that the disposition of a 
Junius would prove a bar to his as- 
sociating with the servants and de- 
pendants of the great The man 
who thought and wrote as Junius 
could only have delighted in the 
society of persons of learning, taste, 
and refinement ; a man so endowed 
could never stoop to inferiority. 
From whence is deduced the origin 
of an opinion so ill-grounded as the 
assertion of the Rev. Mr. Blake- 
way? Perhaps he may think him- 
self fortunate, that from the mys- 
tery which has hitherto enveloped the 
author of the Letters of Junius, he 
is enabled to satisfy the wishes of his 
friends, by depreciating talents of 

f 2 



lxxXlV PREFACE. 

which there has hitherto been no 
parallel. But Junius cannot now 
defend his own character, or resent 
the calumny attached to his memory. 
Mention is made in fables of giants 
fighting against babies, but in no 
period whatever is there any history 
of a liberal and enlightened cha- 
racter warring with the principles of 
truth, justice, and integrity, once pos- 
sessed by those who no longer exist, 
but sleep with the dead ! 

The general features of every 
man's life may be commented upon ; 
but truth should be the guide, the 
unerring principle that actuates 
the biographer's pen. The defamers 
of Junius may be considered as ini- 



PREFACE. lxXXV 

mical to the welfare of their country ; 
envious of the patriotic virtues that 
formed the brightest qualities of his 
soul; jealous of those wonderful 
talents, which burst like a meteor, 
and illuminated the darkened hori- 
zon of the political hemisphere : 
hating that virtue, they cannot, 
dare not imitate, they are at best 
the slaves of their employers, whose 
loaves and fishes are of too agreeable 
a taste not to occasion the most 
hungry cravings, where interest alone 
is the director of man's wishes and 
enjoyments. 

In page 2£ of Mr. Blakeway's 
pamphlet, lately published, Junius 
is considered by him as having 
f 3 



IxXXvi PREFACE. 

aimed to subvert the Constitution, 
and that he might, amidst the 
commotions proceeding from such 
a cause, emerge to public notice 
and favour. How erroneous are 
the conclusions of this gentleman 
respecting the disposition and inten- 
tions of Junius. He also says, that 
" Junius fixed the gaze, and enjoyed 
" the frantic applause of the popu- 
" lace." Can those be called a mob, 
who have read and edified themselves 
by the essays of the celebrated writer 
in question. Junius laboured to be- 
nefit his country by pointing out to 
the public notice the corruptions of 
the day. He effected ultimately the 
most important services to the statew 



PREFACE. IxXXVU 

His judicious animadversions ena- 
bled even the Monarch himself to 
observe strictly the mismanagement 
of his servants. Hence, Junius la- 
boured for the welfare of others, for 
the good of the community at large, 
for the advantages of his fellow coun- 
trymen, rather than for laurels to 
decorate his own brows. Such was 
his character. Party, at this distant 
period, will deprecate the principles 
with which Mr. B. endeavours to 
adorn his arguments, and blush at the 
ungenerous and unmanly strictures 
he labours so much to disseminate* 

In page 24 he again says, " Junius 
" in his intercourse with mankind 
?* must have learnt, and even his 
f 4 



lxxxviii PREFACE. 

" heart must have told him, that he 
% deserved the universal execration 
" of mankind." Although a fe- 
male, I beg leave to enquire of 
the reverend reviler of Junius, if 
the sentiments, which proceeded 
from the pen of that excellent 
friend to civil and religious li- 
berty, authorized so gross and so 
unmerited a falsehood ? Who can 
read the Letters of Junius, and not 
acknowledge the truth, the justice, 
and the propriety of his remarks in 
general, whether on the constitution 
itself, or on the misconceptions (to 
give them no severer name) of those 
who were of the administration of 
the day ? One of the most promi- 



PREFACE. lxXXlX 

nent features in the character of 
Junius, is the concealment of his 
secret, while living. His forbearance 
is indeed worthy of admiration. 
Had he revealed himself, with what 
joy and gratitude would Britons 
have hailed the noble defender of their 
dearest rights, which party power 
was trampling upon! Not only his 
writings would have been traced on 
the hearts of his countrymen, but 
his statue, like that of the great 
Augustus, would have received the 
most distinguishing trophies of na- 
tional veneration and regard. But 
no! Junius had satisfactions of a 
more private nature : he well knew 
that his generous labours would in- 



XC PREFACE. 

struct and animate his fellow-subjects 
until the latest period of time, and 
that the same noble principles which 
dwelt in his heart, would live for ever 
in the breasts of thousands of the 
sons of constitutional freedom and 
independence. Nobly, therefore, did 
he decline all public reward for his 
great and transcendent exertions to 
benefit posterity. 

Few men, gratified as Junius must 
have been by the well merited po- 
pularity of his writings, would have 
deprived himself of public approba- 
tion, as he condescended to do. 
Nothing .could more justly elucidate 
the character of the true patriot, 
than the modesty, the privacy, and 



PREFACE. XC1 



the resolution to preserve that pri- 
vacy, which Junius evinced, amidst 
the thunders of applause with which 
his writings were distinguished in the 
world. 

Everv human character has some 
portion of vanity in his composition. 
Bat it would appear that Junius was 
the most perfect of beings, for neither 
interest nor public approbation were 
inducements sufficiently powerful to 
change his fixed purpose in regard 
to the discovery of his secret. He 
publicly pledged himself to guard it 
most sacredly in the confinement of 
his own breast. 

It is not likelv that Junius himself 
would have delivered a letter at 



XCU PREFACE, 

Mr. WoodfalFs printing office. The 
idea is absurd. The gentleman, 
must have been a confidant of Junius, 
who tossed the letter into the printing 
office, when he was observed by Mr. 
Jackson. Nor would Junius have 
rendered himself so conspicuous by 
his dress with a bag and sword, 
were it not that he might have done 
so for the purpose of disguise. 

It is reasonable to conjecture that 
Junius was generally amongst 
persons, with whom he was not only 
acquainted, but with whom he was 
on terms of confidence. In one of 
his letters to Mr. Woodfall, he says, 
" I am among persons who would 
" rather behold my name in the 



PREFACE. 3CCU1 

u papers improperly, than not at all" 
This is a strong corroboration that 
Junius and Dr. Wilmot was the 
same person, for Lord Archer was 
the confidant of Dr. Wilmot at the 
time of his auditorship in that no- 
bleman's affairs, and at the period 
when the Letters of Junius were 
issuing to the world. 

The editor again begs leave most 
respectfully to state, that in writing 
the present work, she has been ac- 
tuated only by her love of truth* and 
an eager, though certainly justi- 
fiable, intention of preserving to the 
memory of her late venerable and 
respected uncle, those laurels which 
are undoubtedly his due, front 



XC1V PREFACE. 



his talents, from his labours in the 
public cause, and from his general 
conduct and character in life. Im- 
pressed with the firmest conviction 
that her uncle was the author of the 
Letters of Junius, she submits his 
cause and her own labours to the 
judgment of a discerning public, and 
she takes her leave by quoting an 
aphorism of Lord Bacon. " Truth 
" is like unto a cork — the hand of 
" violence may press it down for a 
" while, but it will buoy up at 
« last" 

Olivia Wilmot Sekres« 

47, Marchmont Street, Brunswick Square. 



xcv 



Extract of a private Letter of Junius, 
February 1770. 

" When 3^011 consider to what 
u excessive enmities I may be ex- 
* posed, you will not wonder at my 
" caution/' 

In the same letter, Junius speaking 
of the possibility of Mr. Woodfall 
being found guilty on his expected 
trial, says, " you will then let me know 
" what expence falls particularly on 
" yourself; for I understand you are 
" engaged with other proprietors: 
" some way or other you shall be re- 
" imbursed." If Junius had been a 
very opulent person, he would not have 



XCV1 LETTER OP JUNIUS. 

written so carefully as to the loss like- 
ly to be sustained by Mr. Woodfall. 

The editor has no hesitation in 
declaring to the world, that Mr. 
Dunning (Lord Ashburton) must 
have known the secret of Junius, 
as well as Lord Shelburne, " who," 
Dr. Wilmot once unguardedly ob- 
served, " had suffered as much as 
" himself from the faithlessness of 
" supposed friends ; but we decided 
" most opportunely," said he, " there 
" is a tide in every man's life ! ' 

The editor recalling to her recol- 
lection the various description of 
papers she examined of Dr. Wilmot's, 
no doubt remains in her mind as to 
Junius and Mr. Dunning having 



LETTER OP JUNIUS. XCvil 

been confidants, and that Lord S. also 
perused some of Juniuss essays before 
they met the public, this the MS. of 
the Dr. demonstrates — as did the 
different letters proceeding from the 
pen of his Lordship — in several of 
which he writes, " I have received 
" the packet, and forwarded it ; all 
" your letters, &c. have come to 
" hand/' Although Dr. Wilmot had 
such illustrious connections, it appears 
he was in no way inclined to benefit 
from their interests. Thus, as before 
has been stated, he took leave of the 
great world in the year 1773, de- 
voting himself to a life of inde- 
pendency and retirement. 

S 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

It is necessary to inform the Public, that the daugh- 
ter of Mrs. Serres, bjthe merest accident, discovered 
the Manuscript of Dr. Wilmot about the beginning of 
January last, and pointed out for the observation of her 
mother at that period, the memorandum alluding to the 
Letters of Junius, &c. Mrs. Serres had never seen 
Mr. Woodfall's work or beheld a fac-simile of the 
writing of Junius, until after she sent to Mr. Woodfall 
on the subject, which she did by the advice of one of 
the Physicians to His Majesty, who had been attending 
her in a dangerous illness she had experienced, and 
to whom she first imparted the discovery. 



Shortly will be published^ 

BY 

MRS. SERRES, 

A 

FINISHED PORTRAIT 

OF 

THE AUTHOR OF THE LETTERS OF JUNIUS. 



i 



MEMOIRS 



OF THE 



LIFE 



OF THE 



REV. JAMES WILMOT, D.D. 



AUTHOR OF JUNIUS S LETTERS. 



The late Doctor James Wiloiot was a 
descendant of Sir Nicholas Wilniot, of 
Osmaston, in the county of Derby, Knight. 
His grandfather was the brother of Sir 
John Eardley Wilmot's father, who mar- 
ried a lady of Yorkshire of good family 
and handsome fortune. Henry Wilmot, 
the grandfather of our author, possessed 
most extraordinary talents, and, in those 
days, was esteemed a man of considerable 

B 



erudition, not having been more generally 
admired for the integrity of his principles, 
than celebrated for his wit, spirit, and 
sincerity of disposition. Dr. Wilmot, when 
speaking of this gentleman, used to say, 
that Lord Rochester was descended from a 
branch of the same family, and that he 
was the nearest of kin to Sir Thomas Coke 
Wilmot, the munificent founder of Wor- 
cester College, Oxford. 

Henry Wilmot well understood the juris- 
prudence of his country. Having occasion 
to proceed in a suit at law, at the Worces- 
ter assize, against Lord Foley (until that 
period his intimate acquaintance), he em- 
ployed no counsel, but relying on the 
strength of his own ability, so successfully 
advocated his cause, that the jury awarded 
him sB500 damages. The steward of Lord 
Foley paid the whole of this sum into 
Court in sixpences. Hence it is fair to 
infer that his lordship anticipated the ter- 



mination of the suit, by his having such a 
quantity of small coin in readiness. Lord 
Foley, it was said, hoped to wound the 
feelings of his former friend ; but when the 
money was counted, he placed a bag on 
each shoulder, and quitted the court amidst 
the triumphant applauses of the numerous 
spectators, observing, " Lord Foley might 
" bend his shoulders, but that he should 
" never break his back." 

By his marriage he had several sons and 
daughters, and possessed an estate of about 
nine hundred pounds a year. The eldest 
son, on the decease of his father, enjoyed 
the bulk of his fortune, while a part of it 
was disposed of for the purpose of pur- 
chasing the living of Adderbury for the 
second son, James, who had taken orders. 
The political opinions of this gentleman 
were, however, so decidedly in favor of 
the Stuarts, that he objected taking the 
requisite oaths on the induction into the 
b 2 



living. His politics, together with his scho- 
lastic acquirements and amiable disposition, 
so endeared him to the celebrated Doctor 
RadclifFe, that they became inseparable 
companions. The latter frequently declared 
that in the event of his friend Wilmot out- 
living him, the whole of the immense for- 
tune he possessed should be his at his death. 
But James Wilmot died a few months be- 
fore Radcliffe, at the Doctor's house, and 
in his arms. It is imagined that excessive 
grief, for the death of a friend he valued 
beyond every other earthly consideration, 
contributed towards hastening his own. 
The noble legacy to the University of Ox- 
ford will, to the latest ages, render cele- 
brated the memory of RadclifFe. The usual 
appellation bestowed on the Doctor and his 
favorite Wilmot was " the two politi- 
" cians — the two friends." 

The eldest son of Henry Wilmot died in 
Yorkshire, bequeathing his estate, after 



5 

cutting off the entail, to a lady who had 
lived with him for several years, to the no 
small mortification and regret of his bro- 
ther, our author's father, to whom the 
property, after the death of James Wilmot, 
belonged by right of inheritance. 

Thomas Wilmot, the father of our au- 
thor, was born in 1680, about the time of 
the appearance of the Great Comet. Early 
in life he entered the army, and was present 
at the memorable battle of Blenheim^ in 
which he particularly distinguished him- 
self, and was severely wounded. Shortly 
after his return to Worcestershire, he mar- 
ried the only daughter of General Downes, 
by whom he had issue, Theophilus, Ed- 
ward and Thomas. Theophilus was emi- 
nent in the profession of the law, by which 
he realized a considerable fortune, and died 
at the age of fifty. Edward died young. 
Thomas married a lady of London named 
Smith. She departed this life five years 
b 3 



6 

afterwards, leaving a son and daughter, 
who, from the death of their father at an 
early period of their lives, became orphans, 
and were placed under the guardianship of 
their grandfather. This grandson was 
named Thomas Downes, and, at an early 
period 'of his life, went to Bengal, where 
he settled as an English merchant in 1762. 
He was an honor to his country, never for- 
getting the character of a " true born 
Englishman." The integrity of his dispo- 
sition endeared him to every eminent cha- 
racter in India. 

From the opportunities he had of ob- 
serving the various occurrences of that 
eventful period, he had frequent occasion 
to deplore the effect of the arrangements 
made under the administration of Lord 
Clive. In his correspondence with his 
relatives in England he would often detail 
the situation of his feelings, rendered more 
poignant from his characteristic sensibility. 



7 

" The scenes I hourly witness (said he in a 
" letter) render me greatly dissatisfied with 
" my abode in this country. I anxiously 
" anticipate the happiness of once more 
" seeing my native land, and its dearer pri- 
u vileges and independencies" 

He acquired, with every principle of 
honor and probity, a very handsome inde- 
pendence. On the eve of departing for his 
native country, he had previously trans- 
mitted to England the bulk of his fortune ; 
when he was seized with one of those dis- 
orders so prevalent in hot climates, and 
expired in the fiftieth year of his age. This 
event took place in 1781. His will may be 
seen at Doctors' Commons, which is writ- 
ten with his own hand. After making ex- 
press regulations, as to any disputes which 
might arise relative to his bequests, he con- 
cludes with these remarkable words, ■-' what 
" 1 have acquired by the sweat of my 
" brow, the harpies of the law shall never 
b 4 



8 

" enjoy" He was greatly lamented in 
India. The name of Wilmot, for honor, 
beneficence and virtue, is still remembered 
with veneration and respect in those distant 
settlements, 

Thomas Wihnot, the father of our author, 
in an advanced age, married a second 
wife, Miss Sarah Hughes, sister to an emi- 
nent silk-merchant of Gracechurch Street, 
London, who made the curious collection 
of butterflies now deposited in the British 
Museum. Our author was the eldest child 
of this union, and was born at Warwick 
on the 3d of March 1726. 

A singular accident occurred three days 
after his birth. The nurse attendant on his 
mother carelessly set fire to the curtains of 
the bed. The whole apartment was in- 
stantly in flames, and the cradle of the 
infant almost demolished, before any assist- 
ance could be obtained. This circumstance 
took place at midnight, while the family 



was in bed. The distress and agony of 
our author's father was beyond description. 
Laid up with a severe fit of the gout, to 
which, for years he had been at different 
periods subject, he was totally helpless 
amidst this truly distressing scene. Horror- 
struck on learning the extreme danger 
in which his wife and child were placed, 
he kept continually calling out to his ser- 
vants to preserve those objects of his anx- 
ious fears ; entreating, that no considera- 
tion for his own safety should be attended to, 
until that of his wife and infant was ascer- 
tained. The gracious interposition of divine 
Providence was manifested in a most emi- 
nent degree. On the night of that alarming 
circumstance, not a single life was lost. 
The side of Dr. Wilmot was however so 
scorched by the flames, that the scars re- 
mained perceptible to his death. The phy- 
sician, attending the distressed sufferers, 



10 

who were kindly received into a neighbour- 
ing mansion, apprehended the most fatal 
consequences would manifest themselves, 
from the excessive fright both Mr. and Mrs. 
Wilmot had experienced. But destiny de- 
cided otherwise. Not only the parents, but 
the infant, were restored in a few months 
to a complete state of convalescence. 

A twelvemonth after the birth of our 
author, a daughter was born, named Olive; 
then a son named Robert, and a daugh- 
ter christened Sarah. Three other children 
died in their infancy. 

James Wilmot, our author, at the early 
age of seven years, began to display the 
indications of a most lively wit and as- 
piring genius. Nothing could be more 
frank or decided than the features of this 
child's disposition. His bodily health and 
improvements kept pace with the rare ex- 
pansion of his mind. Young James Wilmot 



11 

was his parents' pride, and the admira- 
tion of their friends. His father had re- 
ceived a most liberal education. He could 
justly appreciate the budding perfection of 
youthful merit in its various degrees. No 
person better understood the task of instill- 
ing the precepts of integrity, and of edi- 
fying by example. Hence, he was eminent- 
ly qualified, both by education and dispo- 
sition, to become a valuable preceptor to his 
son, whose love of study, and attention to 
his classical pursuits, amply rewarded the 
attentions of so excellent a parent. 

The father of our author had possessed a 
younger brother's patrimony, with his com- 
mission in the army, and also some property 
in right of his wives ; but possessing a free 
and open-hearted disposition, greatly de- 
voted himself to the pleasures of the chace 
and the turf. His stud, both of race-horses 
and hunters, were kept up in the highest 
style, and few in the county where he 



12 

resided possessed better hounds. These 
propensities rather diminished than in- 
creased his finances. 

The growing expences of his family se* 
liously alarmed him. To provide for the 
gratification of his favourite pleasures, and 
the welfare of his offspring, was his chief 
consideration. Intimately known to the 
principal characters of the counties of Wor- 
cester and Warwick, he considered it a most 
difficult task to assimilate his ideas to the 
demands of prudence, by divesting himself 
of his partiality for his stud and his health- 
preserving fox-hounds. As a sensible man, 
he was aware necessity had many impe- 
rious laws ; and that the proudest mortals, 
at different periods of their existence, have 
been compelled to abide by her (some time) 
insupportable decrees. 

When he was engaged in these prudent 
reflections, the mansion of the Archer fa- 
mily, at Warwick, was unoccupied; and 



13 

It was the whim of Mr. Thomas Wilmot, 
to take these vast premises, and to convert 
them into a magnificent inn. The building 
was an immense stone edifice, and in one 
of its wings a suite of rooms was prepared 
for the separate residence of himself. He 
laughed at the world's opinion, and still 
possessed himself of the best company in 
the county in his novel establishment, which 
for years was conducted upon the most 
liberal and satisfactory scale. 

The late Lord Leigh's father used fre- 
quently to dine with Mr. Thomas Wilmot, 
in his public situation, where a handsome 
dinner was provided, and the best of wines 
administered. Every thing relative to these 
arrangements was conducted as if in a 
private house. The visitors formed a dis- 
tinct concern from the business of the inn, 
the domestic regulations of which he never 
interrupted, by possessing servants of the 
most satisfactory integrity. 



14 

By this management, our author's father 
was enabled to retain the same number 
of horses and dogs, and to enjoy the plea- 
sures of the field, without fear of future 
embarrassments. To regale his own visi- 
tors sumptuously, and to live liberally and 
independently, w r ere prominent features in 
his character through life. At no time 
did he ever forget he was a Wilmot and 
a gentleman. In Warwickshire and Wor- 
cestershire he was styled Beau Wilmot; 
which appellation w r as given him from the 
dignity and elegance of his person. His 
dress was remarkable; consisting generally 
of a full suit of purple velvet, ornamented 
with silver buttons, on which were en- 
graved the unicorn, the crest of the family 
arms, — a fashion used in those days. His 
figure was of a commanding height, and 
his countenance truly expressive of every 
noble faculty of the mind. His humanity, 
his amiable and generous disposition, were 



15 

the constant theme of those who loved him. 
The poor hailed him as a benefactor, for 
" his hand was ever open as day to melting 
charity." No man was more courted — 
none more esteemed and respected. His 
near relationship to the four members of 
the county and borough of Worcester, as 
well as to Judge Wilmot, naturally created 
an extension of acquaintance, who enjoyed 
his company with delight, and parted from 
him with regret. 

When our author was about nine years 
of age, he was nearly experiencing a most 
fatal accident. Amusing himself with 
other boys of his acquaintance, on the 
banks of the Avon, he was induced to 
bathe in the river : seized with the cramp, 
he would have perished, had not the in- 
trepid courage of a boy of fourteen saved 
his life, by plunging into the stream, and 
rescuing him from a watery grave. Totally 
insensible, he was conveyed to a neigh- 



16 

bouring house, when medical assistance 
was procured, and successfully adminis- 
tered. 

At the period he was pursuing his stu- 
dies at the college in Warwick, that 
greatness of mind, that undaunted man- 
ner of expression, which afterwards be- 
came so conspicuous in his character, and 
which remained with him through life, had 
began to expand. A circumstance which 
occurred at the college will illustrate this, 
the result of which endeared him to his 
friends, and made the most indelible im- 
pression on their minds. The pupils of 
the college mutinied, and turned their pre- 
ceptor out of the school-room. The re- 
fusal of our author to assist in the rebel- 
lion greatly irritated his companions, who 
used him with violence because he chose 
to maintain a determined opposition to their 
. plan. " Our master is a tyrant/' vocife- 
rated the youthful culprits, " and deserves 



17 

(i hanging." — " And will violence and dis- 
" order/' replied our hero, " effect your 
" emancipation from this authoritative per- 
" son? Alas! the storm with redoubled 
" fury will burst upon your heads. Rather 
*J defeat your enemy with his own weapons 
Sf — be ever diligent in your studies, and 
" amaze him by the intenseness of yourin- 
" dustry. By such a line of conduct you will 
" occasion the man to blush at his own in- 
" capacity, which has induced him to sup- 
" pose, that none but fools and dunces 
" have been placed under his tuition, 
" Thus, the severity of his correction will 
" not be requisite, and he will be under 
" the necessity of applying constantly to 
i( his studies, so as to be no longer de- 
" ficient in his talents, as a reputed scho- 
" lar, and as the head of this respectable 
if institution." 

The eloquence of the young orator pre- 
vailed. The boys immediately returned to 



18 

their duty, and gave their courageous ad- 
viser that credit he so much deserved. 
" Wilmot is right/' they said, " the fault 
" is in ourselves ; but we will, for the fu- 
66 ture, be regulated by his example." 

" As when in tumult rise the ignoble croud, 
Swift are their motions, and their tongues as loud ; 
And stones and brands in rattling vollies fly, 
And all the rustic arms that fury can supply j 
If then some grave and pious man appear, 
They hush their noise and lend a listening ear j 
He soothes with sober words their angry mood, 
And quenches their innate desire of blood." 

Dryden. 

The clergyman, under whose regulation 
the college was placed, was made ac- 
quainted with our author's proceeding. He 
carefully examined the abilities of the dif- 
ferent preceptors, and finding their talents 
very superficial, dismissed them, and im- 
mediately procured others to the general 
advantage and satisfaction of his pupils. 
At all times, and on all occasions, he dis- 



a 



a 



19 

tinguished young James Wilmot with every 
commendation and regard. 

When our author had attained his six- 
teenth year, he was entered of Trinity 
College, Oxford. The parting between his 
father and himself was affecting ; " Re- 
member, my son/' said the former, 
remember that integrity and honor will 
ever carry you nobly through life. By 
u these, I trust, every action of your ex- 
" istence will be modulated." Greatly 
affected by the admonition of his venerable 
parent, he embraced him, saying, in the 
most emphatic manner, " My father, I 
" shall always endeavour to recollect I 
" am a Wilmot" 

As soon as he was settled at the Uni- 
versity, he devoted himself unceasingly to 
study, rising at the earliest dawn of day, 
to pursue his researches after classical 
knowledge. His talents were of too daz- 
zling a nature to escape the observation of 
c2 



20 

his companions. Even those of his own 
age condescended to be instructed by their 
young friend, and were eager to profit by 
his regard. But, devoted to improvement, 
he would for weeks seclude himself in his 
apartment. In one of these occasional re- 
tirements, he addressed the following lines 
to his mother, at Warwick. 



Lov'd Home! lov'd Home! delightful source of joy, 

What sweet reflections does thy name supply ! 

How oft, methinks, I view my Mother's smile, 

As o'er my books I bend with pleasing toil. 

My Mother ! yes, her virtues e'er impart 

The proudest triumph to my grateful heart. 

My Father, ah ! "tis there again I'm blest ! 

His sacred lessons warm my youthful breast. 

A man he lives, whose noble features prove, 

True honor guides the soul of truth and love ! 

Oh ! may my years his approbation claim, 

Deserving of a Wilmot's honest fame ; 

A boast more prized than fortune's lofty smile j 

Let others for her chequered pleasure toil, 

Be mine the task, a nobler lot to share ! 

Ye Gods ! but hear my firm and constant pray'r, 

Oh ! make my future ways your gracious care ! 



} 



21 

His affectionate letters endeared him to 
his parents, who liberally rewarded his in- 
dustry and improvements, thereby che- 
rishing that spirit of emulation which ena- 
bled him to persevere with advantage in 
his studies. He was not only conversant 
in the Greek, Latin, and Hebrew lan- 
guages, but was intimately acquainted with 
polite literature. He frequently assisted 
his companions in their various pursuits 
after science; and, when reproved by his 
tutor for his too arduous diligence to be- 
nefit the interests of others, by which he 
w T as endangering his constitution, from 
such excessive sedentary employments, he 
w^ould answer, " Nothing can be more 
" agreeable or entertaining, than our con- 
" tinual endeavours to serve those who 
" distinguish us by their regard." 

The general deportment and affability of 
temper which were the characteristics of 
Dr. Wilmot interested every one in his 

c3 



22 

welfare. Some of the most superior cha- 
racters of the University sought his friend- 
ship : among them were Mr. Wharton, 
the Poet Laureat, Dr. Johnson, and seve- 
ral other eminent writers. 

He obtained his academic honors at 
an early age. He was only twenty-two, 
when he took his master's degree. At 
thirty, he became bachelor, and four years 
afterwards was made doctor in divinity.* 

When only twenty years of age, such were 
his acquirements, that he frequently deliver- 
ed in public the most learned discourses. 
On such occasions, he was always honor- 
ed with the general applause of his hearers ; 
but when entreated to print some of his 
classical essays, he would decline such a 
proposition by observing, that " others 
" wrote better than himself, and that he 

* When he died, he was the senior doctor of divinity in 
the University of Oxford. 






23 

" was confident the partiality of his friends 
" occasioned many erroneous opinions as 
" to his talents. The man who studies to 
" possess himself of the world's applause, 
" at too early a period of his life, generally 
" lives to experience, in his latter years, a 
" reverse of fame." 

During the period of our author's resi- 
dence, at this time of his life, at the uni- 
versity, he went by the name of " Popula- 
** rity Wilmot ; " and, although it may 
appear almost incredible, it was a well 
known fact at Oxford, that he possessed 
the favor of all parties. His opinion was 
taken on every public measure at the uni- 
versity, and his advice was always given 
with freedom and candor. 

It was evident to his friends that his 
disposition was ambitious : but this ambi- 
tion arose from refinement of sentiment, 
not from a selfish or ignoble inclination. 
He possessed a great degree of pride in his 
c 4 



24 

nature, which evinced itself in all hi& 
actions and pursuits, from his earliest in- 
fancy ; — still, it was a superior pride ; — it 
emanated from exalted sentiment and con- 
scious integrity; it prompted him to be 
careful of his own passions, and to regu- 
late his conduct by the most exemplary 
principles. 

Fond of society, our author, for the most 
part, devoted his evenings to the company 
of his friends. He seldom allowed himself 
more than five hours rest, and he made it 
an invariable rule to rise at the same hour 
in the morning, whether he went to bed 
early or late. He associated with the most 
illustrious characters, and being of a convi- 
vial turn, was frequently one of the last 
who retired from any party he might have 
been engaged in. 

The intimate companions of Wilmot were 
greatly perplexed to learn, in what manner 
he found opportunity to prosecute his stu- 



25 

dies, and to acquire such a fund of general 
knowledge. Scarce an individual of the 
university comprehended his methods. 
Whenever they went to his apartments in 
the day, they seldom saw him particularly 
engaged. The still hour of early morn- 
ing was the time he devoted to intense 
application. He kept a game cock, which 
generally perched on the elbow of a chair 
by his bedside, and whose crowing was the 
signal for study. When he spoke of sleep, 
he was wont to say — u Five hours for a 
" man, six for a woman, and seven for a 
" sow." 

Dr. Wilmot was an excellent logician ; 
he delighted in sound and argumentative 
disquisition. In stile and pathos his ora- 
tory was likened to that of his favorite 
Demosthenes. His eloquence was grace* 
ful, and the tones of his voice clear and 
sonorous. The most crowded audiences 
attended to hear him : every one, eager to 



28 

rise in the same profession, anxiously en- 
deavoured to imitate his stile and manner ; 
for it was universally acknowledged, few 
preached more elegantly than Dr. Wilmot. 

The respectable parents of our author 
gloried in, and idolized their deserving son. 
They properly estimated the goodness of 
Providence in bestowing on them such a 
treasure. The noble family of the Archers 
were intimately known to the elder Mr. 
Wilmot. The friendship which the late 
Lord Archer ever retained for the Doctor 
was well known, both at the university, 
and throughout the county of Warwick. 
Lord Plymouth was brother-in-law to his 
Lordship, and was also on the most inti- 
mate footing with our author. He pos- 
sessed an excellent heart, and the best 
principles, although the world did not con- 
sider his Lordship either a scholar or a 
politician. 

For a succession of years Dr. Wilmot 



27 

passed much of his time in the society of 
these noblemen, as well as that of the first 
Lord Winterton and the old Lord Sondes. 
He frequently passed his winters in London 
at their mansions, and was auditor to Lord 
Plymouth and Lord Archer, for several 
years ; a trust he filled with the most scru- 
pulous integrity and zeal. 

At this period Lord North was entered 
of Trinity College, and Dr. Wilmot was 
solicited to be his preceptor. Very fre- 
quently, in the latter part of his life, our 
author would declare, that Lord North, in 
the morning of his days, possessed wit and 
accomplishments of superior degree ; that 
his mind was formed with the most inge- 
nuous and liberal disposition, and that he 
was a decided Whig as to his political 
opinions. " The fate of empires,'' the 
Doctor would say, " are conformable to 
" the wisdom and excellence of their rulers ; 
** and the appetites of men, to the means 



28 

" of their enjoyments. The few who have 
" stability and courage to preserve the 
" dominion of integrity amidst the seduce- 
" ments of ambition and power, are cha- 
" raeters which few ages have beheld in 
" unsullied excellence." 

Sir James Wright, who had held abroad 
several situations of trust and high im- 
portance, entertained for our Doctor the 
most brotherly regard. His mother and 
sisters had resided at Warwick for several 
years. Dr. Wilmot paid his addresses to 
one of the sisters of Sir James, but a mis- 
understanding having arisen, the treaty was 
broken off, and the lady was subsequently 
united to Dr. Charleton, a physician of 
Bath. To the last moment of his life he 
would dwell with pleasure on the perfec- 
tions of this ladv. 

The fame of Dr. Wilmot was now en- 
creasing, and, at the age of thirty, he was 
known to, and intimate with, the most 






29 

illustrious personages in the kingdom. Nor 
was it surprising to the world — his connec- 
tion with Lords Plymouth and Archer, 
as well as his own character, were an in- 
troduction to families of the highest rank. 

At the age of forty he was constantly 
in fashionable life, residing every winter in 
London, and making, as has been already 
observed, the mansions of his noble friends 
his occasional home. The house of his 
brother-in-law, Captain Payne, who mar- 
ried his sister Olivia, was also ever open to 
his reception. 

Mr. Wilkes, Mr. Thurlow (afterwards 
Lord Chancellor), Counsellor Wheeler, the 
brother of the late Sir William Wheeler, 
of Warwickshire, and Mr. Dunning (after- 
wards Lord Ashburton), were his confiden- 
tial friends, and most intimate acquaint- 
ance. The old Lord Bathurst honored our 
author with his friendship. The Hono- 
rable Henrv Bathurst and the Honorable 



30 

Henry Beauclerc he numbered among his 
friends. 

The latter gentleman had been a very old 
college acquaintance, and being a good 
draughtsman, had once prevailed on Dr. 
Wilmot to allow him to take his portrait in 
black and white crayons. This drawing 
was at Barton-on-the-Heath at the time of 
the Doctor's decease in 1807 ; but unfortu- 
nately it had received much damage, other- 
wise it would have made an excellent print 
of our author. He could never be prevailed 
upon to sit for his picture in oil, saying, 
" myself and the small portion of fame 
" / have acquired shall he consigned to the 
" tomb. The man who writes for the 
" satisfaction of his own vanity, and he 
" who labours for the benefit of mankind, 
" are two distinct characters: I have pre- 
tf f erre d the latter pleasure." 

The habits of Dr. Wilmot were impres- 
sive. No littleness of thought or action 



31 

manifested itself in any of his personal 
pursuits. He delighted in deeds of liberal 
munificence. Towards his fellow men he 
never professed a friendship he did not 

feel. 

Enjoying considerable benefit from his 
classical superiority, and receiving from his 
father the most liberal supplies, his love of 
convivial enjoyments was frequently mani- 
fested. He sometimes gave the most hand- 
some entertainments to his noble friends, 
and displayed, upon such occasions, the ge- 
nerosity of his spirit. No sordid idea ever 
contaminated his mind. His sentiments 
were elevated on the grandest scale of 
human excellence ; and such was the opi- 
nion his noble associates entertained of his 
sense and judgment, that at all times they 
were eager to profit by his advice and his 
experience. Lord Archer well understood 
the expanded mind of his friend Wilmot, 



32 

and consulted him upon all his political and 
civil arrangements. 

The Archer election at Coventry, which 
took place a considerable number of years 
ago, was one of the strongest contests ever 
remembered in the county of Warwick. 
Although our author's political sentiments 
were not in unison with, or indeed perfect- 
ly understood by his noble friend, yet, from 
motives of family friendship, Dr. Wilmot 
firmly supported Lord Archer's interest. 

His Lordship's success was entirely owing 
to Dr. Wilmot's political knowledge, and to 
his general popularity in the county. Our 
author had however experienced a most 
trying ordeal. In the morning when the 
chairing of the members took place, and 
while walking near the park at Coventry, 
he was suddenly surrounded by some of the 
opposite party, whose intention was to tar 
and feather him. These people had been 



33 

constantly on the look-out for the Doctor, 
and they rapturously hailed the moment they 
beheld him alone in a solitary part of the 
town. Determined to effect their purpose, 
their huzzas rent the air. The Doctor was 
completely hemmed in. The tar and fea- 
thers were sent for. In this anxious moment 
his presence of mind did not forsake hinl. 
He asked permission to harangue the croud 
previously to commencing their operations. 
" Persons so brave as he conceived them to 
" be/' he said, " would no doubt be also 
" found generous enemies." As he was ex- 
tremely tall, and was conspicuous by wear- 
ing a large cocked hat, while giving a dis- 
sertation on true courage and bravery of 
soul, he caught the ear and attention of 
one of his own party, who was endeavour- 
ing to press through the croud. Seeing 
Dr. Wilmot placed in such a perilous situ- 
ation, he instantly procured assistance; 

D 



34 

collecting nearly a hundred of the Archer 
voters, who with bludgeons fought their 
way to the aid of the Doctor, the very 
moment they had began to unbutton his 
waistcoat, and to undress him for the pur- 
pose of tarring and feathering. 

In several of the university elections, 
Dr. Wilmot made a conspicuous figure, 
and success always crowned those whose 
cause he espoused. In addition to the 
appellation of " Popularity Wilmot" 
he was also styled " Jemmy Right" and 
" Jemmy Wise" The Poet Laureat 
Wharton being the christener on these 
occasions. 

It was old Lord Bathurst introduced our 
author to several of the late members of the 
Grenville family, and also to the King's 
brothers, who were intimate with the 
Archers, his devoted friends. 

A curious circumstance occurred one 
day while he was walking in the Strand, 



35 

with the late Duke of York, which evinced 
that grateful recollection of services, ever 
implanted in the breast of the Doctor. A 
coalman, passing by, saluted him with his 
hat. Dr. Wilmot immediately went to 
the poor fellow, and shook him cordially 
bv the hand, to the extreme diversion and 
wonder of his Royal Highness. The Prince, 
on being rejoined by his companion, ob- 
served, that " he had always considered 
" him a most singular character, but that 
" this fancy of his outwitted all his other 
" eccentricities. Pray, tell me/' asked 
the Duke, cc who this sooty friend of yours 
" is ? I am determined to know the man." 
" Your Royal Highness shall be obeyed," 
replied the Doctor ; " this poor fellow is a 
" townsman of mine, named Taylor, who 
u when I was a boy preserved my life at 
" the moment I was nearly drowned : for 
" this honest fellow, plunging into the 
" water, by his humanity, courage and 
d2 



36 

" feeling, saved the life of your humble 
" servant. Your Royal Highness will per- 
" ceive I cannot too gratefully recollect the 
" service he has rendered me." — " Desire 
" your townsman to come to the Exchange 
" Coffee-house," said his Royal Highness. 
The honest fellow obeyed with alacrity 
the gracious summons, and had the honour 
to converse with his Royal Highness for 
some minutes, who generously bestowed on 
him a ten pound note, as a testimony, he 
was pleased to say, of his friendship for 
Dr. Wilmot. This anecdote, so honorable 
to all the parties, and which afforded a 
specimen of feeling but little practised by 
princes, the editor of these memoirs had 
from the Doctor, when he had attained his 
seventy-eighth year. 

We have given an instance of that grate- 
ful memory which ever constituted one of 
the glowing virtues of our respected author; 
and we have now to narrate a circumstance 



37 

which proved him to possess a generous in- 
trepidity of spirit. 

The Lords Abingdon, Plymouth, Archer, 
and Foley, accompanied Dr. Wilmot to the 
races at Oxford. Among the visitors was 
a Mr. Gilpin, a person of considerable 
landed property, much despised for his ava- 
ricious and overbearing disposition, who 
to evade paying his losings on the turf, 
had always recourse to the most unge- 
nerous subterfuge. Being of a gigantic 
size, his herculean limbs betrayed excessive 
strength and activity. Few persons chose 
to quarrel with Squire Gilpin. 

On the day the races commenced, Mr. 
Gilpin, as usual, had betted considerably; 
but it was observed, he refused to liquidate 
his debts of honor with any member of the 
Church. « Parsons," as he styled the 
Clergy, '* were his pastime/' The sur- 
rounding country well understood all Mr. 
Gilpin's excellencies, yet no one had been 
P3 



38 

found of sufficient courage to chastise so 
formidable a character. 

The noblemen who were the companions 
of Dr. Wilmot were well acquainted with 
his honour, courage, and independant 
mind : he was therefore requested to en- 
gage Gilpin in a bet. " He will not dare 
" to take liberties with you, Wilmot, (said 
" they), but if he should be so presump- 
u tuous, you will chastise his insolence, as 
" it deserves/' 

Our author immediately rode up to him, 
and engaged him easily in a wager. The 
horse he named having won the heat, 
attended by Lords Archer, Abingdon, and 
Plymouth, he politely, and in the most 
gentlemanly manner, demanded the pay- 
ment of his bet. The Squire behaved with 
his habitual rudeness, declaring " that the 
fc University of Oxford was a d — d shabby 
" place for a gentleman to sojourn in." 
f < The whole body of clergymen, he said, 



39 

" were a set of shuffling mean-spirited 
" fellows ; you are one of those wolves in 
" sheep's clothing ; I shall not pay you/' 

He uttered these expressions in the most 
violent manner, and struck Dr. Wilrnot 
with his whip, who roused at the insult offered 
to the University, and indignant at the igno- 
minious manner in which he treated that 
hody of which he was a member, actu- 
ally horse-whipped his antagonist off the 
race-ground, amid the applauses of all who 
had witnessed the mean and pitiful conduct 
of Mr. Gilpin. Not contented with the 
chastisement already bestowed, the Doctor 
continued it through the streets of Oxford; 
and the Squire's shoulders were so bela- 
boured, that he was under the necessity of 
confining himself at least two days to his 
bed, and then stole from Oxford covered 
with humiliation and disgrace. 

The wrist of Dr. Wilrnot was greatly 
strained and weakened by such violent ex- 
d 4 



40 

ertion. He usually wore a black ribband 
binding round it to the day of his decease ; 
and would frequently at the spring of the 
year declare, he suffered considerably 
through his Gilpin frolic. " The aches 
" I feel in my wrist are remembrancers ,: 
he would say, " that most effectually im- 
" pose a recollection of the circumstances 
" attending that event." 

Dr. Wilmot was honoured by the thanks 
and acknowledgments of the most distin- 
guished personages at the University. Seve- 
ral sumptuous dinners were given on this 
occasion, at one of which Lord Abing- 
ton gave the following toasts : 

c: May the integrity of a Wilmot live 
" for ever ! —~3fay this University, to the 
" latest ages, prove the proud pre-eminency 
<c of its members" 

It is worthy of remark, when the cele- 
brated Lord North arrived at the Univer- 
sity, he immediately courted the notice of 



41 

Dr. Wilmot. Our author was his precep- 
tor, and his Lordship was frequently heard 
to say, that no other gentleman of the 
University could so well inspire him with the 
sentiments of deference and respect it was 
necessary he should entertain towards those 
to whom he was to be indebted for his clas- 
sical improvements. Dv. W. frequently ob- 
served that Lord North in the early part of 
his life was of a frank and affable disposition ; 
much devoted to societies of conviviality 
and pleasure. His Lordship's political sen- 
timents, at this period, were founded on the 
most patriotic principles. A logician, and 
skilled in disputation, he was possessed of 
acquirements which rendered him respected. 
He was partial to Dr. Wilmot's company, 
whose friendly admonitions, and enlivening 
conversation, were always acceptable to 
him. Ever alive to the talents and to 
the integrity of his preceptor, his lordship 



42 

would frequently say, " how enviable is 
" the disposition of a Wilmot !" But Lord 
North was of a fickle and impatient tem- 
per, which sufficiently shewed itself during 
his subsequent administration. 

Although he always treated Dr. Wilmot 
with respect, and frequently invited him to 
his dinners, yet he so greatly resented the 
advice given him in private respecting some 
ministerial arrangements, that he withdrew 
his attentions with cautious circumspection. 
" The sincerity of patriotic feeling seldom 
? ( actuates the intentions of ministers," was 
frequently an expression of our author. 
" I cannot be on terms of friendship with 
H men, who sacrifice the interests of the 
*t country with impunity and ease." A 
lover of peace, he reprobated the desolating 
principle of war — too often waged to serve 
the ambition of a designing minister — and 
would conclude his observations with the 






43 

following quotation, which alluded to the 
system of war entered into by a certain 
celebrated minister: 

" Whose laurels full of blood and blemish are 5 
" He only connuer*. ^rbo concludes a war." 

Dr. Johnson and our Doctor regarded 
each other with mutual esteem. Wilmot's 
society he declared afforded him the utmost 
satisfaction and pleasure. Our author, in 
the latter period of his life, often would ex- 
patiate on the goodness of Dr. Johnson's 
heart, and would say the world but super- 
ficially understood that great man's charac- 
ter. It considered him a cold-blooded cynic, 
while his soul was all urbanity and feeling. 
When at Oxford, Dr. Johnson greatly de- 
lighted in the society of his friends. Their 
evenings were usually spent in the company 
of the Poet Laureat. On these occasions, 
the genuine wit and classical refinement 
of our author distinguished those hours 



44 

which were pervaded by " the feast of 
" reason and the flow of soul." 
\ It was seldom that Dr. Johnson dis- 
tinguished «i~y one by his friendship ; but 
once obtained, he^Danifested his regard on 
every occasion. During this intimacy, Mr. 
Wharton composed several essays on various 
subjects ; amongst the productions of his 
leisure hours was the " Oxford Sausage." 
Dr. Wilmot was a good poet, and one or 
two of the poems in that work were the 
production of his pen. He had an extreme 
antipathy to have any of his works ushered 
into the world, and observed, u the subli- 
mity of a Milton no character could ap- 
proach ; — of what consequence would 
my publications be ? The world is 
** sufficiently crouded with the follies and 
" stupidities of coxcombs." 

Although his modesty, the concomitant 
of genuine ability, prevented his receiving 
public marks of the estimation in which he 



45 

was held ; yet the University was ever 
eager to testify their opinion of his trans- 
cendant talent. His ambition, as has 
been already mentioned, was great, and in 
the discourses which he had officially to 
deliver, no preceding preacher excelled 
him. 

Dr. Johnson frequently submitted his 
writings to the perusal of Dr. Wilmot, prior 
to their going to the press. " Wilmot' s 
" criticisms are good ;" the moralist would 
say, " I take notice the world likes what 
" he approves/' Johnson was difficult of 
access : hence, his privacies were esteemed 
sacred. None but a few faithful friends 
were allowed to intrude on the hours of his 
retirement. 

Thesituation of this learned lexicographer 
in respect to pecuniary circumstances, while 
at the University, was lamentable in the 
extreme. Dr. Wilmot has often observed 
to the editor, that " he had seen the 



46 

greatest moralist this country ever pro-* 
duced, almost barefooted; and this too 
at a time, when his learning, talents, and 
principles, richly entitled him to the utmost 
preeminence of fortune, and the most 
illustrious patronage/' 

The soul of Dr. Wilmot was a most 
beneficent one. Nothing gave him greater 
pleasure than the performance of a gene- 
rous action. Nobly supplied by means of 
his father's liberality, and deriving the 
greatest emoluments from his pupils at col-* 
lege, his resources enabled him to exercise 
his philanthropy. He paid the most un- 
remitting attention to Dr. Johnson in his 
adversity, and studied daily, by every de- 
vice, to lessen his pecuniary embarrass- 
ments. The excessive pride, which ever 
was Johnson's characteristic, rendered 
him averse to receive those benefits fre- 
quently offered by the hand of friendship. 
He courted no man's patronage; and, 



47 

having liberally expended what little his 
friends had supplied him with, he became 
at last reduced to great pecuniary dif- 
ficulties. 

A number of his friends, consisting of 
the most honorable characters then resi- 
dent at the University, were desirous to 
serve him. Every offer of assistance, by 
way of loan, was so repugnant to the 
feelings of Dr. Johnson, that no measure 
to relieve his necessities met with the suc- 
cess their friendship warranted. He was 
even irritated, when his misfortunes be- 
came the subject of observation. His 
friends, Wharton, Wilmot, and some others, 
once consulted together how they should 
supply him with shoes, of which he had 
become in great want. 

Unwilling to hurt the feelings of John- 
son, by introducing the new shoes so that 
he might observe them, they prevailed on 
the bed-maker to place them at the bed 



48 

side about the time he was to retire to 
rest. On Johnson's returning to his cham- 
bers from the eommon room^ he soon per- 
ceived the present intended for him. With-* 
out reflecting one moment, he kicked the 
shoes down stairs ; to the regret of his 
listening friends. However hurt our au- 
thor might be at this disappointment to his 
philanthropic intention, yet he expressed 
his admiration of his friend's conduct by 
observing,—" I could have embraced him 
" the moment he did so. The mind that 
" is nobly proud and decided in the hour 
" of extreme adversity should be venerated 
4 ? by mankind/' 

The charitable feelings of Dr. Wilmot 
rendered him acutely alive to the misfor- 
tunes of his fellow men. It is true, he 
loved the pleasures of the table, and con- 
vivial enjoyments, but he never suffered 
them to overpower his reason, or get 
the better of his understanding ! Nei- 






49 

ther did they close the avenues of hte 
heart, for he frequently sought oppor- 
tunities to benefit the unfortunate. Di- 
vested of every kind of ostentation, his cha- 
rities were administered in the most pri- 
vate manner; and numerous were the ap- 
plications which presented themselves to 
his benevolent notice. 

In many of his conversations he would 
say, " We are not born for ourselves; 
" a philanthropic feeling towards our feU 
" low beings should continually animate our 
" intentions. The Almighty demands we 
" should return, with interest, the blessings 
" he may have bestowed upon us. Thus, 
" the rich are but the stewards of their 
" possessions. To be religious, mortals 
" must also be charitable. Religion and 
" Charity were sisters of a birth." 

Hence, it is evident, from these senti- 
ments, that the most religious and con- 
scientious rectitude marked all Dr. Wil- 



50 

mot's ideas; and such was the sincerity of 
his friendship, that when he heard or pe- 
rused an ill-natured remark relative to 
any of his friends, it not only highly dis- 
pleased him, but he treated the defamer 
with merited disdain. 

He frequently would enlarge on the 
virtues of Johnson, and narrate, with 
infinite pleasure, various anecdotes tend- 
ing to display the manly virtues of his 
friend.* Among them was the following. 
Johnson had a custom of throwing his hat 
in the air, whilst walking, if any thing 
occurred to pain his feelings. As he was 
passing, one morning, through the outer 
quadrangle of Pembroke College, a poor 
woman presented a petition, craving the 
subscriptions of the charitable, to enable 
her to bury her husband and two children, 

* It is evident, from various epithets bestowed on the 
writer of the Letters of Junius, that Johnson was not in the 
secret of his friend, Dr. Wilmot, being the author. 






51 

of whom she had been just deprived. The 
acute, yet silent, grief, impressed on the 
care-worn countenance of the unhappy 
petitioner, so much affected the feelings of 
the moralist, that he placed in her hand 
the contents of his purse, the whole of his 
worldly wealth ; and, rushing from the 
the scene which had so sensibly affected 
him, continued to hurl his hat in the air, 
as he proceeded to his apartments. He 
secluded himself the whole of that day, 
not making his appearance till the hour 
of supper, and then entered the common 
room in a disordered and hurried manner, 
as if he was fearful his generous action 
had been discovered. " Such was the 
" man," said Dr. Wilmot, " whom the 
" ignorance and injustice of mankind, en* 
" titled a misanthropist ! Blush, ye de- 
" famers of a Johnson's virtues!" 

There was a decided feature in our 
author's disposition which greatly elevated 
e2 



52 

him in the opinion of his acquaintance. 
Envy of the talents and acquirements of 
others had no place in his generous bosom. 
On the contrary, he would point out the 
merits of his cotemporaries, and gene- 
rously endeavour to discover fresh beau- 
ties in their writings. His portraits, on all 
occasions, were the finest finishings of 
life, and the most accurate delineations 
of character. 

Although well skilled in theology, Dr. 
Wilmot never introduced any religious con- 
troversy at his table. If such a circum- 
stance ever happened, he would, if called 
upon, deliver his sentiments with candid 
liberality. He enlarged on no subject in 
vain ; his arguments were conclusive, for 
truth was ever the regulator of his ideas. 
" In so enlightened an age/' he would 
often say, " all religions should be tole- 
" rated ;" observing, i( That there were, 
" in his opinion, various roads to a 



53 

" better world, and that the mercy and 
4C benignity of the Divine Being, were 
" such as to induce him to extend his pro- 
iC tection and fatherly love to all his crea- 
" tures, and to provide for the eternal feli- 
" city of the just, in a glorious kingdom to 
" come. Every Protestant divine should 
" assist in the progress of his faith as 
" much as in his power; but when I 
" reflect on the originality of matter 
- c and things, I am satisfied, the good 
" Protestant and the good Catholic, &c. 
" are the same characters, and will be 
" equally entitled to the joys of immor? 
" tality." 

The sermons of Dr. Wilmot, even in his 
advanced age, contained the most conci- 
liating and comforting breathings of a hu- 
mane heart. They expressed the senti- 
ments of hope, charity, and universal 
benevolence. They encouraged the most 
profligate to become proselytes to the di- 

e3 



54 

vine will. In these discourses, our author 
would expatiate on the intention of our 
existence; and would forcibly impress on 
the minds of his hearers, the certainty of 
a glorious resurrection to everlasting life ! 
* c Love one another/' he would say, " as 
" the children of an excellent parent in 
" Heaven : ye were all united in the ori- 
iC ginal dispositions of things, Man was 
u not born to be the slave of man, but 
f* his brother in religious and civil af- 
4C fections." 

Dr. Wilmot was intimate with the Chan- 
cellor Northington, whose wife was sister 
to Lady Wright. His acquaintance with 
Sir James had existed from infancy ; and 
although his interest with these friends was 
great, yet he never asked a favour for him- 
self. Lord Northington used to call him 
the proudest fellow he ever knew. At this 
period, from the year 1760, our author 
was usually in London, occasionally visit- 






55 

ing Oxford for a day or two, and then 
returning to town. His residence was 
either at the mansion of one of his noble 
friends, or at an hotel in or near the 
Piazza, Covent Garden, Sometimes he 
would sojourn at Nando's Coffee-house, 
where he used to meet Mr. Thurlow, 
Counsellor Wheeler, Mr. Wilkes, and Mr. 
Dunning. In the latter part of his life he 
would frequently mention these gentlemen, 
as well as Lord Shelburne and Mr. Fox, 
and used to dwell with much pleasure on 
the recollection, that he had lived in the 
intimacy, and had enjoyed the friendship of 
such men. 

It was unquestionably about this period 
that he began to astonish the country with 
his observations on the times, under various 
signatures, but more particularly that of 
Junius. The Letters of Junius have now, 
for forty years, been perused with delight 
by every lover of his country. The consti- 

e4 



56 

tutional knowledge, the patriotic principle, 
so firmly rooted in the mind of our author, 
(and which principle was well known, and 
well understood by his friends, many of 
whom are still living) the Letters of Junius 
clearly demonstrate. Let those who are 
eager to lick the dust under the very foot- 
stool of the throne, profit by the lesson 
that Junius inculcates. Let them peruse 
that legacy his patriotism has bequeathed 
the nation, and let them endeavour to be- 
come what they ought to be — honest men, 
— and true friends to their country ! Let 
men in power recollect, that the spirit of 
independence, the glowing patriotism which 
animated the soul of Junius, may yet be 
found in kindred minds ! The shade of that 
immortal patriot may yet watch round the 
sacred altar of our constitution, and may 
inspire thousands of freeborn advocates for 
constitutional reform, to rally round the 
national standard, and secure their mQ- 



57 

March from the vile machinations of am- 
bitious, anarchical, and interested men ! ! ! 

Lady Plymouth, the mother of Lady 
Tilney Long, honored the Doctor with her 
confidential friendship. He venerated the 
virtues of that lady, and sincerely deplored 
her death, which took place about 1791. 
In the strictest habits of intimacy with the 
Earl of Plymouth, he had frequent oppor- 
tunities of making himself acquainted with 
the excellencies of his lady's heart. She 
was wise, discreet, generous and amiable. 
Her pleasures were elegant, and the beau- 
ties of her person were only exceeded by 
those of her mind. She was the most 
exemplary wife, the most affectionate mo- 
ther, and the sincerest friend. " Few were 
" her equals/' the Doctor would say, 
" Death has deprived me of my most 
fi valued friends/ 1 

On one occasion, while at Oxford, he 
was invited by Lord and Lady Plymouth, 



58 

along with his friend Mr. (afterwards Dr.) 
Dechair, one of his Majesty's chaplains, 
to join their party in an excursion on the 
river. The company had been on the 
water a very short time, when they were 
alarmed by the report of a gun. At the same 
instant, the contents of a fowling-piece, 
as it was found to be, Were lodged partly 
in the left eye of Mr. Dechair, and partly 
in the loins of one of the rowers. The 
agony and distress of the wounded sufferers 
were extreme. Lady Plymouth, though 
much affected by the accident, evinced 
great fortitude on the occasion. She as- 
sisted to bind up the eye of Mr. Dechair, 
and by every means in her power to alle* 
viate his sufferings. When they landed, 
however, her feelings overpowered her ; 
she fainted in the arms of her friends, and 
was conveyed to Oxford in a state of in- 
sensibility. 

Lord Plymouth procured the best surgi- 



59 

cal assistance for Mr. Dechair, but it was 
impossible to save his eye. This unfortu- 
nate circumstance greatly distressed all the 
party, particularly Dr. Wilmot, who re- 
spected his friend. As a proof of the 
Doctor's disposition, it may not be amiss 
to observe, that his goodness of heart 
particularly manifested itself during Mr. 
Dechair' s confinement. 

The anguish arising from the wound, 
was so great as to occasion Mr. Dechair 
to be blindfolded. His studies during 
that period must have been entirely at a 
stand, had not Dr. Wilmot dedicated two 
hours every morning to assist his progress 
in them. Dr. Wilmot ever continued 
his friend, and introduced him to Lord 
Ilchester one evening, in a box at the 
theatre at Bath, where Mr. Dechair had 
& curacy. His lordship spoke to Lord 
North, and the livings of Horley and 
Hornton were, in consequence of this in- 
troduction, conferred on him. 



60 

Dr. Deehair generally, two or three 
times in the year, was accustomed to visit 
his old friend Wilmot, at his rectory of 
Barton-on-the-Heaih, where he would re- 
main with him a week at a time. He 
married Miss Wentworh, the daughter of 
Sir Thomas Went worth, aunt of the pre- 
sent Viscount Dudley and Ward. His 
death occurred a few years ago at Bath, 
at an advanced age. 

Of too honest a temper to disguise his 
sentiments, and having accustomed himself 
to deliver his opinions freely and candidly, 
Dr. Wilmot sometimes displeased several 
of his acquaintance by the admonitions he 
ventured to bestow ; more particularly when 
he conceived their actions reprehensible 
or unjust. 

In the height of Lord North's ministerial 
career, there was a prominent feature in 
his conduct, which Dr. Wilmot beheld, to 
use his own expression, with amazement 
and concern. His Lordship's obstinacy of 



61 

disposition, and evident indifference to 
the welfare of the empire, were viewed 
with chagrin by the patriotic eye of our 
author. The political conduct of the mini* 
ster was so much at variance with the con- 
stitutional opinions of the Doctor, as 
to call forth from his manly and able pen 
such just censure, such glaring truths, as 
covered the ministerial party with fear and 
confusion. 

" Lord North's popularity will be short- 
" lived," he would observe to his brother, 
although I once considered him a rising 
sun in the political hemisphere. But 
the glorious expectancy has vanished, 
and with it my own Mitre. I shall never, 
Bob," (so he named his brother^), " be- 
" come a Bishop. The men in office, and the 
" men out of place," he would frequently 
say, " are distinct characters. The loaves 
I awl the fishes are agreeable to all states- 
men. Every age has demonstrated the 
" truth of my remark." 



a 



a 



a 



62 

In discoursing of the late Earl of Chat- 
ham, Dr. Wilmot did every justice to the 
splendid abilities, and patriotic virtues of 
that great character. The talents of Lord 
Chatham were brilliant ; but his integrity 
and honor accorded but little, Dr. Wil- 
mot said, with the venalities of his com- 
petitors. While he was one day reading 
a speech of that great statesman, he laid 
down his file of newspapers, and exclaim- 
ed — " -dye, he was indeed a Giant amongst 
" Babies !" But when the name of Lord 
Shelburne * was mentioned, whose admini- 
stration was one of his most favorite po- 
litical subjects, an evident complacency of 
manner, and the most energetic language, 
distinguished his discourse. " I have had 
" the happiness of knowing some of the 

* The Editor, from having perused several of Lord Shel- 
burne's letters after the decease of her uncle, a few years 
back, fully possessed herself of some most important 
secrets as to the politics of that nobleman, who so distinctly 
opposed the enemies of the kingdom's prosperity. 






i 



63 

" greatest men of the age/' he would say> 
" but few noble personages with whom I 
* have been acquainted possessed a Shel- 
" burne's mind. No degree of corrup- 
" tion, however refined and subtle its 
" tendency, could at one period of his ex- 
" istence have contaminated his sentiments. 
" I then considered, that firm as a rock, 
" he would stand unshaken amidst the 
" impelling fury of contending seas ; and 
u that he would live and die a patriot, 
" his country's well - wisher and steady 
" friend ; the patron of learning, and 
" the benefactor of the unfortunate sons 
M of men. The character of his Lord- 
" ship (said the Doctor) will at a future 
" period be comprehended. The laurels 
" of others did not decorate his temples V 9 
Nothing could be more elegant or enter- 
taining than the Doctor's delineation of 
character. Mankind had been his unceas- 
ing study, and the injustice of men was 
the continued object of his reprehension 



64 

and pity. Upon most occasions, in the lat* 
ter part of his life, he candidly delivered 
his political opinions. Through life, when 
engaged in any justifiable measure of a 
political tendency, if the community at 
large was to be benefited by his exertions, 
no persuasion, no entreaties of relative or 
friend, could change his purpose. Having 
once formed his opinions, he was resolute 
in maintaining them. This firmness of 
soul, this inflexibility of temper, when he 
was acting conscientiously, regulated all 
his actions. He would observe frequently, 
.'JfrA man should ever have a will and an opi- 
" nion of his own ! — I have twice in my 
" life been insulted, where I the least expeet- 
" ed venality to have manifested itself !*" 

* The Chaplaincy to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was 
proposed, with a handsome salary, for our author. Some 
packets of consequence were entrusted to his care, and he 
visited Dublin, 1769 % but returned to England disgusted 
by the features of things. Much might be said on this subject 
by the Editor. Dr. Wilmot was not above three weeks 
absent from England. 



65 

Those characters who unfortunately 
evinced a fickleness of temper, Dr. Wilmot, 
ever deemed incompetent to the manage- 
ment of their own affairs. Persons who 
were credulous and artful, he never wil- 
lingly a second time associated with. " If 
" chance conducts me/' he has observed, 
" to the presence of a knave or a fool, 
€t I remove myself as soon as I possibly can, 
" from his inconsistency or roguery." 

With all these features of sense and dis- 
cretion, Dr. Wilmot had his faults ; yet 
they were faults which shewed to greater 
perfection the virtues he possessed. His 
temper was impetuous, absolute, and de- 
termined. Having formed his opinion, no 
alteration produced by time or circumstance 
could change it. Neither trouble nor labor 
were to him obstacles to the accomplishment 
of any object, to which his vigorous and 
active imagination prompted him. " Truth, 
" courage, and justice," he often said, 



66 

" were ihfcBtanres of strength ;' and although 
age and rheumatism greatly reduced his 
bodily powers during the latter period of 
his life, the energies of bis mind ever re- 
tained their pristine vigor. 

Whenever he talked of dying, it was in 
so cheerful a way, that any one, hearing 
his sentiments em that subject, would have 
supposed he was describing the most feli- 
citous event of his life. " I cannot eat my 
" cake and have it ! Y. he would sometimes 
jokingly exclaim, and then raising a glass 
of his favorite port to his lips, thus address 
His surrounding friends, " Here, Sirs^ 
* 4 is to our friendship, and a happy meet* 
*' ing in a better world." 

"Conviviality and wit were the continual 
inmates of his circle. He was isumptttous 
3$t his table, and liberal with his wine. 
When alone he invariably drank his bottle. 
He disliked white glass decanters, and 
would always have his wine poured into a 



clean common green bottle, which was 
named Cioero. " I Jifce *my wine/' our 
author would say, " and I do not chuse to 
" be admonished by the transparency of 
" my decanter." Me once jokingly told 
his niece Olivia (the editor of these me- 
moirs), that Jedediah Button, the ^famous 
calculator, had informed him, that he had 
drank ? a sufficient '.quantity of port to drown 
himself, at a bottle a day. 

In hk person, JDr. Wilmot was ^ 
markably <neat and cleanly. Regularity 
and order were observable in all his 
domestic arrangements : nothing could 
ever be ^perceived out of place or slovenly 
at the Rectory. His habits of every kind 
were exceedingly impressive and edifying : 
bis deportment and manner the most gen- 
tlemanly and dignified. He was critically 
severe tto his own sex, wherever he perceiv- 
ed any tendency to sloth, or inattention to 

f 2 



68 

decorum and neatness. To females he was 
ever gentle, and compassionate to their 
errors. 

But nothing displeased him so much as 
the tales of a gossip, more particularly 
when they tended to depreciate any female 
character. He had an excessive dislike to 
Boarding Schools, and kept his niece 
constantly under his own care. If, at any 
time, he beheld her unemployed in study 
previous to the dinner-hour, which was 
usually at four o'clock, he would admonish 
her with parental regard, and impress on 
her youthful mind the value of time. Under 
the direction of her uncle she daily read 
poetry, history, and classical productions. 
On such occasions the ordeal was a trying 
one His ear was correct in the extreme, 
and the most trifling error of pronunciation 
did not escape his attention. When he had 
no company with him in the evening at the 
Rectorv, his amusements were chess or 



69 

eribbage. The first game, lie used to say, 
taught his niece lessons of foresight and 
precaution, and the latter would instruct 
her to be a ready calculator. 

Whilst playing at chess, his niece would 
tremble with apprehensive anxiety. Al- 
though she was only fifteen years of age 
when Dr. Wilmot conceived her to be per- 
fectly acquainted with his favorite game, 
yet the most trifling error or mistake greatly 
displeased him. " Niece, you do not re- 
flect/' he would say: " silly persons should 
" never attempt chess. I have flattered 
" myself you were anxious on all occasions 
" to excel/' 

It had ever been his custom to rise early. 
The first thing he did in the morning, was 
to feed at the hall steps the pigeons and 
other birds of which he was fond; he 
would then go to the stable, and look at 
his two favorite horses. He always ex- 
amined the state of the atmosphere, and 
f3 



70 

it was usual for him, at breakfast,, to $a$ 
what kind of weather was approaching. 

The moment the breakfast was finished, 
which, excepting when there wa& company; 
never exceeded half an< &0ur, tihe studies 
of the morning commenced. He usually 
wrote, for his neice, an essay upon some 
classical, religious, or moral subject : this 
he would give to her for her contemplation 
and written remarks; and> if ' the* morn- 
ing was fine, would walk in the^ garden 
or fields, to afford her time and opportu*- 
nity to perform the task with advantage, 
ami 1 without interruption. On such oc- 
casions, it was remarked by Miss Wiltnot, 
that if the subject was a complex one, 
the Doctor would regulate accordingly Sis 
return- to the room m which she was 
studying; always adapting his absence to 
the nature of the task he had engaged 
her in. 

Whenever his niece succeeded 1 in* any of 



these literary attempts*, she waa, all that 
day, styled by her uncle, young Noll; a 
pet name he was fond of distinguishing 
her by, when in a* very gracious humor. 
If Dr. Wilmot considered his niece had 
been indolent or spiritless in her compo- 
sitions, he would be reserved and serious 
in his deportment towards her; and*, if 
he had occasioa to address her, would, 
with much ceremony, and in the most ex- 
pressive manner, call her Miss. Wilmot. 
But when he observed any sparks of geniusr 
to flow from, her pe% hie would encourage 
her, by some valuable present, to persevere 
in improvemeQjk 

Dr. WilmoJi was well gifted with legal 
knowledge, and was fond of reading the 
productions of our most eminent lawyers. 
In his parlour were generally placed Coke 
on Littleton, Blackstone, Hale, Burn, and 
Qtksr writers on English jurisprudence. 
f 4 



72 

He used to read and examine these books 
for hours, and to cause his niece to proceed 
progressively in their pages alsp. He 
was so well versed in law, that his niece 
frequently told her uncle, if he had 
adopted its profession, he certainly would 
have been Lord Chancellor. " Alas, 
" girl," he would say, " thy uncle's fate 
" has been, in some of its features, similar 
% to that of poor Yorick. I have been 
" will-o'-the-whisped through life by the 
" most fallacious shadows ; but the period 
" will approach when the king and the 
u beggar will be equally provided for. I 
" thank my God, I have experienced the 
" disappointments I have done ; otherwise, 
" the world would have been too agreeable 
" to my senses : as it is, I have leisure to 
" provide for my happiness in a world 
" of reality and joy." 

Conversations like these, proved that 



the Doctor had experienced disappoint- 
ments in life ; and that some of his 
noble friends had not been of too grateful 
a disposition. The attachment which Dr. 
Wilmot entertained for Lord Archer, ren- 
dered him extremely useful to the interests 
of that noble family. His spirit of inde- 
pendence is remembered with satisfaction, 
and imitated with enthusiasm, by many in 
his native county. 

The Countess of H , mother of the 

present Marquis of the same name, occa- 
sionally residing in the county of Warwick, 
was intimately acquainted with our author, 
and was well aware of the integrity of his 
disposition. His popularity in the county 
gave her Ladyship much concern ; for she 
well knew that to the Doctor was owino* 
the strength of the Archer party. She 
frequently corresponded with Dr. Wilmot, 
and in one of her letters she addressed him 
as follows : — 



74 

u My dear Doctor, 

" Your inviolable attachment to the 
" interest of the Archer family, evinces a 
" greatness of soul that charms me. But 
" what emolument or preferment will re- 
u ward the great and unceasing exertions 
" you have used in their favor ? Consider 
tc well the conversations we last week en- 
" tercel into, and believe that, if you will 
devote yourself to the interests of my 
family, I will exert every degree of 
interest in my power, to facilitate your 
advancement in the Churchy &c. Sec." 
Dx. Wilmot respected Lady H ^ but 
possessing the secret key of the Archer 
politics, and being firmly devoted to the 
interests of one or other of its illustrious 
family, he required not a single moment 
to decide on this curious subject. The 
same evening on which he received the 
letter of the Countess, produced the fol- 
lowing answer. 



ft* 

m Madam, 

U ^^ exceeding* honor of your 
" Eadyship ? s fetter claims niy sincerest 
" acknowledgements. I* feel satisfied, I 
* may be a gainer by your Ladyship's 
** favor ; but, even in- that instance, I may 
" be also a considerable sufferer. By de- 
" ; serting the interest of my oldest and 
m most esteemed friends, I should cer- 
" thinly survive thegood opinion of myselC 
to — I have the honor to: be, &c»' ,: 

©r. Wilmot often declared, no woinait 
possessed^ a more 1 sensible and discrimi- 
nating character than Lady H . tier 

talents, he said, were brilliant, and that site 
was wise, ambitious, and wary, and owing 
t&Rer management, arose the subsequent 
aggrandizement of the family. 

The Margravine of Anspach, who^ on 
her marriage with the late Lord Craven, 
resided at Coombe Abbey in Warwick- 
shire^ was al^o well known to Dr. Wilmofc 



76 

To the latest period of his life he would 
dwell on the surprising talents and uncom- 
mon genius possessed by this lady. Young, 
beautiful, and innocent, when ambitious 
policy consigned her to the arms of a 
husband indifferent to her charms, her fate 
was severe. Sorrow and disappointment 
blighted the prospects of her youth. Unme- 
rited neglect, the sting of calumny, and 
the unfeeling conduct of many, caused her, 
early in life, to experience the keenest sen- 
sations of grief. The world is apt to chuse 
the superficial side of a question, and is 
but too often unwilling to make the most 
trifling allowance for the inadvertence of 
youth. 

Dr. Wilmot used frequently to repeat 
several of her Ladyship's poetical effusions 
with much satisfaction. There was an 
originality in her manner, a feeling in her 
expressions, which interested and pleased 
him. He has assured his niece, that so 



77 

great were Lady Craven's abilities, that 
he once composed a sermon, which he 
preached in the church at Kenilworth, 
entirely from her ideas, with very few 
alterations, and even these of a trifling 
nature. Our author had the pleasure of 
administering the sacrament to Lord and 
Lady Craven, the first Sunday after their 
reconciliation ; a" circumstance from which 
he derived great satisfaction. 

The person of Dr. Wilmot was mould- 
ed to the truest symmetry. Dignity and 
grace marked every action, and his 
features, the index of his soul, glowed 
with animation and truth. But being 
somewhat pitted with the small-pox, he 
would laughingly say, when with his con- 
vivial friends, t( that his mother, during 
" her pregnancy, had longed for a co- 
« lander! 9 ' 

The Doctor was one of the most agreeable 
travelling companions in the world. His 



78 

conversation, at all times, >was entertaining 
and instructive ; hut, on ^these occasions, 
his observations on passing ^ecurtfenees 
were ever deserving df notice. Every no- 
bleman's or 'gentleman's seat gave ittse to 
some pleasing anecdote of its ^possessor ; 
and he generally concluded his remarks, 
by elucidating the history, or tracing^the 
origin of <the rank of 'the family. An ex>- 
cellent genealogist, he understood perfectly 
the science of heraldry: and so great was 
his memory, that after having been once 
introduced to a person, he never forgot 
his name, however distarit might be -their 
second meeting. 

When sojourning any time at an inn, 
he would behave with so much generosity, 
conduct himself with so much affability, 
and display so noble a spirit, that he was 
endeared to every one around him. Hence, 
his person was well known at all the places 
of resort on the road, and his appearance 



79 

was ever welcomed with satisfaction and 
joy. He never neglected to reward the 
services of the lowest menial, observing, " it 
" was to such persons the superior classes 
" of society were indebted for the comforts 
" they enjoyed at a distance from home. 
" Gold and power, (he would say) in their 
" plenitude, might command every thing ; 
" but what would their possessors accom- 
" plish unassisted by the exertions of the 
" inferior ranks of life ? Could a prince 
" make his own loaf, or a grandee roast his 
*' own mutton, or be possessed of a covering 
" to hfe shoulders or a shelter for his head, 
" if the labors and ingenuity of the more 
" indufiti-ious^part of mankind did not con- 
'" tribute -to his wants?" 

There -was a club held at Oxford, stiled 
« The Ugly Club." The portraits of some 
of its members were ably delineated by 
Hogarth and Gainsborough, the latter of 
whom the Doctor acknowledged to be a 



80 

gentleman. A plan was concerted among' 
several of the members of the University 
to caricature our author. A liberal recom- 
pence was promised Hogarth, if he suc- 
ceeded in the attempt. Accordingly Hogarth 
was invited to dine three successive days 
with the party in which was included the 
Doctor. He sketched every person in the 
company, but the features of the Doctor 
were so varied, and his manner was so ani- 
mated, that the patience of poor Hogarth 
was exhausted on the third evening. 
" D — n that roan," said the artist, " I 
V never was so baffled in my life ; it is abso- 
" lutely beyond my skill to caricature such 
" a countenance. His features are as va- 
" riable as his wit." Our author's eye was 
a brilliant one. His eye-brow was conti- 
nually in movement when speaking, and 
the lire of intellect ever beamed from his 
glance. 

Dr. Wilmot and Hogarth were afterwards 






81 

Very intimate, and continued good friends 
until the decease of the latter gentleman. 

At the unfortunate period of Lord and 
Lady G- — — s separation, our author was 

greatly noticed by the 13*- of C ; 

but his feelings being repugnant to some of 
the D 's measures, he politely declined 
interfering in any of the perplexing cir- 
cumstances which at that time engaged the 
public attention. 

He had been on terms of intimacy with 
these noble persons, and was consequently 
much shocked, on hearing what had trans- 
pired of that unfortunate affair. Although 
he had determined on no account to inter- 
fere in such a delicate business, yet Lady 
G— , well aware of his benevolent dis- 
position, entreated his friendly interpo- 
sition, relative to some pecuniary arrange- 
ments which were negociating between 

her Ladyship and Lord G . Too noble 

to wound in the most trifling degree the 



82 

feelings of the unfortunate, and anxious 
that her ladyship might be relieved from 
the embarrassments her imprudent conduct 
had plunged her in, he acceded to her 
wishes. By every conciliating mode, and 
with all that consistency and honor the 
utmost integrity could adopt on such an 

occasion, he prevailed on Lord G to 

add to her Ladyship's pecuniary comforts 
more largely than he otherwise would have 
done. 

Lady G afterwards presented the 

Doctor with a very handsome snuff-box, as 
a mark of her gratitude. It contained a 
small piece of paper, on which were written 
these words: " I shall never forget your 
" generous conduct. I shall always recol- 
" lect your goodness." 

Lady Archer treated Dr, Wilmot also as 
a brother ; and Miss West, her Ladyship's 
younger sister, always distinguished him 
through life by her friendship. 



83 

Lord and Lady Archer were extremely 

intimate with the Duke of C . Dr. 

Wilmot was invited to perform the marriage 
ceremony between his Royal Highness arid 
Mrs. Horton. As such a measure was very 
inimical to his sentiments, in order that his 
offices might not be required, he retired to 
the house of his sister, the wife of Captain 
Payne, and there secluded himself for some 
time. The morning after the solemnization 
of the marriage, he returned to the society 
of his fashionable friends. An extreme 
aversion to the Luttrel family, in all pro* 
bability, regulated his conduct. Often, 
when advanced in the vale of years, he used 
to relate this circumstance, observing, " a 
*' mitre was then hovering over my head f 
" however, I thank God," he would exclaim, 
" its temptations were triumphed over. 

The Luttrells were never intended for 
" royalty ! but vanity and vice are the de- 
g 2 



84 

" solating curse of other countries as well 
V as my own !" 

Dr. Wilmot entertained a most uncon- 
querable aversion to Garrick; he despised 
him for his meanness, and was well aware 
of his intriguing qualifications. He carried 
his dislike so far, that having visited Oxford 
with his niece, in 1791> to spend a few 
days with his worthy friend, the late respect- 
table President of Trinity, Dr. Chapman, 
Miss Wilmot was attracted by a print of 
that great performer in a shop in the High 
Street, and purchased it. When she re- 
turned to Barton, she fixed the picture of 
Garrick on a wall of an apartment, covered 
with her own drawings. As soon as the Doc- 
tor perceived it, he desired it might not be 
placed by the side of Johnson's portrait, 
which was hanging there ; " for morality 
"and buffoonery are very distinct things, 
*£ Olivia!" he observed. " That Garrick was 



85 

(i a man of no principle whatever: never 
" let me see his picture again/' added he. 

Nothing can more strongly mark his un- 
conquerable antipathy to Garrick than the 
following anecdote. Mr. Thurlow, Mr. 
Dunning, Mr. Davy, and our author, were 
one evening supping at Nando's Coffee-house, 
kept by the mother of Polly Humphries, af- 
terwards the companion of Lord Thurlow. 
Garrick that evening came very late into the 
Coffee-room, and seating himself in the next 
box to that in which they were assembled, 
he called for his wine in a very pompous 
manner. " The vagabond smells of his 
" trade," exclaimed the Doctor. " No, 
" d — n him, he only stinks of his king of 
w shreds and patches," replied Mr. Dun- 
ning. " True ! he is the prince of 
" pismires ! " answered our author. 

Garrick overheard a part of this dis- 
course ; but being so placed as not to be 
able to obtain a sight of their persons* 
g3 



86 

in a low tone of voice asked the waiter, 
66 who those fellows were in the next 
" box?" At the moment of his fan- 
cied importance, our author raised himself 
over the partition of the box, and enquired 
of the waiter what play was to be perform- 
ed that evening at Garrick's house ? " Jane 
" Shore/' replied the man. " Oh ! then 
" the mighty Garrick, perhaps, does not 
" perform to-night ! Well, well/' con- 
tinued our author, {' the spies of crowned 
" heads, or kings themselves, are not 
" always in a humour to entertain the 
" public." The just irony contained in 
these words completely disconcerted the 
hero of the buskin, and caused him to 
sneak out of the coffee-room, to which he 
returned no more that evening. 

The administration of Lord North com- 
menced in the manner his friends an- 
ticipated. Our author certainly might 
have attained the highest preferments, but 



ii 



87 

his steady adherence to principle made 
him unfit for a courtier. " Honor and in- 
" tegrity," he would say, " were the conduc- 
64 tors to every degree of moral happiness ; 
" without such desirable virtues, the dis- 
" positions of men become impregnated 
" with irremediable evils. As the brightest 
*f sun of a summer's morn, so is integrity 
" to the human mind : all that is great 
and glorious in man proceeds from its 
influence. To be truly wise^ you must 
also be faithful in all the pursuits of life. 
Integrity occasions men to be zealous in 
their habits, whether connected with re- 
ligion, or the moral exercises of the heart. 
" True integrity of disposition will ever 
" lead to earthly and heavenly honours ! 
" Without such a recommendatory princi- 
" pie, men cannot be supposed worthy of 
" trust or deserving of praise in the eyes of 
" the impartial discriminators of their con- 
" duct. But few characters practise its 
g4 



t( 



cc 



88 

" excellencies, or are sensible of its bless- 
" ings. Flatterers usually pretend to this 
<e most admirable virtue, and fancy they 
" possess what they never rightly under- 
" stand. By so doing, they mislead the 
u industrious, though ignorant, part of 
" society ; and afford the most poisonous 
" examples for the imitation of the higher 
" classes. That man who lives for his God, 
" and is eager to possess the rewards of a 
" future life, practices the nicest principles 
" of integrity, until his emancipation from 
" this transitory scene to a glorious hereaf- 
" ter of promised happiness. Fortune may 
" leave us, but what of that ! The blessings 
" emanating from integrity are generally 
" more desirable than the most lavish pro- 
'* fusion of wealth. The truly noble mind 
" meets adversity with fortitude, and con-? 
" scious rectitude is a safeguard and pro- 
" tection. Let no future period of your 
: ft life, Olivia, erase these sentiments from 



89 

" your remembrance. When I am no more, 
*t I trust you will be grateful for* my anx- 
" iety respecting your felicity, not only in 
" this, but in a better and more desirable 
" world. " 

When our author expatiated on the beau- 
ties of truth, he would illustrate his re- 
marks by some of the finest quotations from 
the most eminent philosophers and sages. 
Nothing displeased him so much as a false- 
hood. Persons however superior in rank, 
who presumed to utter a fabrication tending 
to exalt themselves, or lower others in his 
opinion, were at all times subject to his 
serious reproof. He observed, u that Lord 
« Bacon was perfectly correct in his esti- 
c * mation of such vices ; for no noble or ge- 
" nerous mind would be guilty of so mean 
'? a vice as detraction ; that the air and 
'f complexion of truth were assumed by 
" many, until a nearer inspection of their 
H principles afforded proofs of their defU 



90 



ft 



ciency in that virtue. Truth ennobles all 
" who obey its dictates, and bend to its do- 
" minion. It leads to the pinnacle of 
" worldly honor, and all its ways are the 
" direct channels through which inde- 
" pendance and comfort proceed. How 
" interesting, how beautiful are the max- 
" inis of truth. Its origin proceeds from 
" eternity. It is a divine emanation from 
" that eternal Being, who will reward 
" those who practise it. With what admi- 
" ration and respect did the sages of anti- 
" quity adore its presence. The laws of 
" Solon and Lycurgus particularly im- 
u pressed on the minds of the Spartans a 
" regard for this virtue; it formed a part 
" of their laws, and w T as implanted in their 
" very existence. The wise and polite 
i( Athenians adored its principles, and, as 
" long as they obeyed it's dictates, were 
" fortunate and happy. But these exam- 
i£ pies are no longer recollected. The age 






91 

" we live in affords bat few such prece- 
" dents; the overbearing tendency of a 
" contrary principle proves, most distres- 
u singly, the degeneracy of the times. It is 
" gold alone that paves the way to honor 
" and renown. Truth and integrity are 
" almost out of date, and their protectors 
" no longer exist among us. But all things 
" will pass away ! Empires themselves 
" will moulder in the dust ! Yet, amidst 
" the wreck of nature, truth shall proclaim 
" the glorious certainties of its power. 
" Truth shall alone conduct you to the 
" presence of Omnipotence, and shall up- 
" hold you in the hour of awful and re- 
" tributive justice. Never deviate from its 
' precepts, but strengthen your inclina- 
• tion by a steady adherence to its dic- 
" tates." 

When speaking of the creation, his man- 
ner would become extremely animated. 



92 

Persuasion literally flowed from his lips. 
" The man/' he would observe, " who 
" can for a moment doubt the reality 
u and existence of a Deity, must possess 
" not only an impotent, but a wicked mind. 
" The wonderful order and perfection 
" of all created things suffer no doubt 
" to remain in the breast of reasonable 
i( conjecture, as to the omnipotence of 
" that great and merciful God, who rules 
" the universe. The miracles which have 
" proceeded from his hands testify the 
" greatness of his heavenly power. The 
" maniac and the fool may doubt the im- 
" mortality of the soul ; but the wise man 
** acknowledges with satisfaction and gra- 
" titude, the presence of that divine prin- 
u ciple within himself, which gives him 
" an assurance of life beyond the grave 1 
" He anticipates, with a pleasing and. 
eager joy, the promised felicity of the 



cc 



93 

u kingdom to come ; cherishing, in his 
H deep remembrance, the sufferings of the 
¥ Son of God ; and feeling fully confident 
" in the glorious promises he has bequeath- 
" ed to us, of our resurrection to his Fa- 
" ther. The moral man must be a religious 
" one, if endowed with the blessings of 
" discernment as to the intention of our 
" being upon earth !" 

When discoursing at any time on the 
subject of his own death, he would observe, 
that he thought differently to what he 
used to do in the early part of his life. 
ic The experience I have obtained has 
" been of a nature to afford me the 
" most convincing and satisfactory proofs 
" of the original intention of things- 
" The visions of ambitious policy no longer 
f* interest my ideas. I perceive all things 
" as they really are ; reflection, and the 
" infirmities of age, unmask characters to 



94 



" my view. I find that, in the meridian of 
" my days, I but superficially understood 
" the heart or the principles of man. 
" Alas ! that mortal lives too long, who 
" has acquired a thorough knowledge of the 
" devices and inconsistencies of mankind ! 
" Formerly, I was for years very popu- 
'' Iar in the world of rank; but I have 
" scarcely recollected a friendship shewn 
me by the great, which was not 
repaid by some exertion of my own, 
tending to their political or civil advan- 
tages. Alas ! death has deprived me of 
my most valued acquisitions. Yes ; it 
is time I should commence my journey 
" to a better world. Life is now without 
" interest. The situation of things affords 
" me no genial hope. The wreck of 
" matter ; the great, the mighty change, 
" is rapidly approaching. Yes ! thrones 
" and empires ; each shall pass away, and 



95 

(C the affairs of the universe will undergo 
" a total change. It is then the kingdom 
If of God will be at hand/' 

" There is but one vacancy left in the 
" rectorial vault of my church at Barton/' 
he would often say ; " it will receive my 
" bones S— But e'er they have mouldered 
" into dust, the retributive period will have 
" arrived, and a great 'and mighty change 
" will appv&r**-ikefate of Britain will have 
" - displayed its most striking features over 
66 the whole face of the globe; yet I trucfc 
" its glorious constitution will live for 
" ever !" 

When speaking of governors and rulers, 
he would say, that " the first feature of 
<c a prince or sovereign should be wisdom; 
" the second, justice ; the third, mercy; 
" and the fourth, universal philanthropy."* 
When conversing on the mischances 

* A prince never sits so firmly on the throne, as when his 
subjects are easy, and take a pleasure in their obedience. 



96 

of life, he would declare, " that to the irido-> 
' lence of most men their misfortunes 
c should be attributed ; procrastination 
( being the forerunner of every human 
s evil ; and that a multiplicity of business 
i could be easily accomplished^ if per- 
\ sons were alive to the value of time. 
f The delay of a few hours might change 
i the tide of a man's life, from the most 
' promising prospects to a continuation of 
' calamity and distress. Procrastination 
1 occasions most of the disasters we ex- 
' perience, as mortals, connected with 
' worldly advantage: it is the thief, indeed, 
< of time ; and the wisest are those who 
( never defer until the morrow, what can 
c be accomplished to-day." 

When relating the particulars of his 
life, he would exclaim, " that his fate 
" was truly afflicting : for he dreaded out- 
" living the independency of his country 
" — the constitution he so adored, and 



m 

*' also the society of bis dearest and most 
" \alued friends. But the progress of 
" man is, at best, but a tedious and weary 
" pilgrimage. Religion, however, is my 
" consolation ; and, like the noblest oak 
*' of the forest, her branches expand 
If themselves a thousand ways to pour the 
" balm of comfort into the heart of man. 
" Ail who are her promoters, and wor- 
" ship the true God, will be the certain 
" inheritors of an everlasting life. It re- 
xg quires the strictest conscientious inten- 
■" tion to constitute a good Christian." 

He respected all classes of religion; 
never testifying any public or private an- 
tipathy either to the Catholic, Quaker, or 
Methodist. His mind was too liberal to 
possess intolerancy, and he considered that, 
•though different paths might be pursue^, 
yet we should all unite in another and 
•a better world, as the children of one 
father. 

H 



98 

He disliked the society of those who were 
of a gloomy or sullen disposition. " The 
" most honest hearts/' he would say, " pos- 
" sessed the cheerfullest temper. To have 
f a fear of God is necessary and just ; to 
" despair of his mercies is criminality 
" itself. Let us enjoy what Heaven has 
" bestowed upon us with gratitude." 

" Christians and Jews/' he observed, 
" are fellow-men; but their inclinations 
" and desires are totally opposite. The latter 
" are almost the only people I have ever 
" doubted. I could never place a confi- 
" dence in them, although I have known 
" one honest member of that body/' 

Our author related a frolic in which 
Lord Plymouth, the Honorable Mr. Beau- 
clerc, and himself were concerned, when 
spending a few days on board Captain 
Payne's ship, which was lying ofFGravesend. 
Mr. Fonseca a wealthy Jew and an eminent 
stock-broker, who was employed by many 



99 

noblemen as their agent in money concerns, 
received an invitation to join the party 
which he accepted; but when dinner was 
served up, to his great mortification, he 
found it to consist of nothing but pork 
dressed in various ways. This was a con- 
certed plan, it being their intention to 
make Mr. Fonseca eat pork before he was 
suffered to land. The first day he managed 
very well, by dining off eggs and bread ; 
but this being perceived by his tormen- 
tors, they prevailed on Captain Payne to 
unmoor his ship, and sail from Gravesend, 
to the dismay of the poor Israelite, who 
was seriously alarmed at being at a dis- 
tance from land, and entreated in vain to be 
sent back to Gravesend. They however kept 
him on board for several days* protesting 
that if he would not dine with them, and 
partake of the pork, he should be con- 
veyed to America, to which place Captain 
Payne was on the eve of sailing. Vexed, 
h 2 



ioo 

tired, and harassed, Mr. Foftseea was ne- 
cessitated to comply with their humour, 
and join in their repast; hy which means 
he shortly after obtained his liberty, to the 
great satisfaction of Dr. V^ilniot, who ever 
regretted having been made a party in the 
conspiracy against the Jew. A few years 
afterwards, he had an opportunity of mak- 
ing Mr. Fonseca a recompence for the 
trick which had been played him. Break- 
fasting with Lord Northington, the Doc- 
tor learned some important news which 
had just arrived : this he immediately im- 
parted to Mr. Fonseca; who, in conse- 
quence, realised a considerable sum by 
speculating in the funds. The worthy 
Doctor still continued, however, to express 
Ms chagrin at the part which he had 
taken in the trick against him. 

That Lord ********** and Lord ***** 
sometimes dabbled in the funds, was well 
known to Dr. Wilmot : Fonseca was em- 



101 

ployed by them ; nor was Lord North un- 
known to this accommodating Jew. The 
shameful venality which, at that time, pre- 
vailed, is too well known to be here men- 
tioned or recalled to the public recollection. 
The letters ushered into the world under 
the signature of Junius, were meant, by Pr, 
Wilmot, to expose and reprove the harpies of 
corruption, and to open the eyes of a mista- 
ken and an injured people, If the generous 
indignation of a Junius was roused to lash 
the vices of an inefficient ministry, in times 
which are past, what would have been his 
feelings, had he lived to witness the pur- 
suance of systems tending to purloin the 
laurelled honors of a brave nation, drooping 
under the mistaken arrangements of her 
political dictators. 

It is extremely singular to remark that our 
author has often declared, he knew but four 
honest men in the administration under 
Lord North. In his merry .moments, he 

h 3 



102 

would say, " the jackdaws in office, du- 
u ring that period, were like the crows 
" in iEsop's fables, possessing themselves 
" of the confidence of the kingdom by the 
" medium of borrowed talent. There 
" were but four among them who acted 
" from the solidity and compass of their 
" own judgment. It was impossible sach 
" an administration could last, or such 
• imbecilities be tolerated. But the rooks 
" had a good plucking, and the fea- 
" thers of their corruption have been the 
" kindlers of a flame which will extend 
" itself to the farthest corners of the 
" universe." 

A friend of the Doctor's, from Oxford, 
one day dining with him in his advanced 
age, desired his opinion of Mr. Home 
Tooke; " Jesuits, Sir, have ever been my 
" abhorrence," he replied, " juggling po- 
" liticians my dislike! Mr. Tooke's fame 
" will be a diminishing one. A few years 



103 

" will pass, and his name will be no more ! 
" Burke had his faults likewise, and I 
" consider one national eulogium will 
" serve for them both." 

Dr. Wilmot considered Mr. Fox pos- 
sessed of the most brilliant talents, and said 
he had once imagined him of too patrio- 
tic a character to join any party whose 
political opinions were not congenial to his 
own. But his mistaken political coalition 
with Lord North was much reprobated 
by him, and no one felt this apostacy 
more than he seemed to do. He depre- 
cated every measure of that fatal period as 
being pregnant with disaster and disgrace, 
and would express to the last day of his life 
his sentiments respecting the Amerian War, 
which he said was a war of brothers and 
friends, not of men and nations ! 

He has often observed, that self-interest 
frequently destroyed the friendship of a long 
life; that it was impossible to detail how fully 
h 4 



104 

Lord North and Mr. Fox sincerely detested! 
each other, notwithstanding ambition, and 
the love tif power^ so assimilated their pub- 
lie measures to the demands of their pri- 
vate interests. Relying on the docility of 
those who were obedient to their views, and 
presuming on the credulity of *** *#** ? 
they dared to manifest a disposition the most 
detrimental to the interests and welfare 
of the kingdom. Talents and honesty 
being found in a pining state, encouraged 
the slaves of power to the commission of 
acts, which did not more effectually cri- 
minate their predecessors, (who have set 
them such pernicious examples), than strike 
at the prosperity and freedom of man. u But, 
" let the stream flow," said the Doctor, " it 
" will reach its parent waters at last ! '■' 

Dr. Wilmot frequently acknowledged* 
that it was some of the nearest connections 
of Lord North, who invariably opposed 
every political system he adopted, the 



105 

Bishop of Winchester being almost the 
only person of his family who remained 
faithfuh The intrigues of his enemies 
were greatly accelerated by the insincerity 
of many of his supposed friends. " The 
"' minister/' said Dr. Wilmot, " who de* 
" pends on the talents of others, cannot be 
" considered in an enviable situation of 
iC national security. Had Lord North 
" been more guarded in his confidence, 
" he might have been spared a considerable 
" degree of chagrin ; nor would public 
" opinion have testified so much opposition 
' I to his measures." Our author respected 
various traits in his Lordship's private cha- 
racter^, although he aJways condemned in 
the severest terms the errors and the mis- 
conceptions of his ministerial life. 

That Dr. Wilmot was acquainted with 
the daily occurrences in the political world 
is well understood, not only from his Letters 
of Junius, but from his observations in pri- 



106 

vate life. The Duke of Grafton had too 
many confidants. Our author was intimate 
with one of his Grace's most secret advisers. 
Mr.Wilkes also knew the same gentleman : 
and was privately intimate with the Duke's 
favorite mistress, the celebrated Nancy 
Parsons.* 

While his Grace was engaged at the 
helm of State, and his time occupied in his 
official department, the Hon. H. B. was 
enjoying the delights of his domestic ar- 
rangement. Every evening that gentleman 
made it a point to visit his political friends, 
and acquaint them with what he had col- 
lected during his hours of amusement at 
Grafton House. Not a circumstance occur- 
red, which the Doctor did not obtain a know- 
ledge of from his honorable friend : and in- 

y 

dependent of these particulars, which were 
often mentioned by him when conversing 

* A certain nobleman, one of the ablest Statesman pf hi* 
day, also shared the fair Nancy's favors. 



107 

on the perplexities of the Cabinet at that 
period, several letters on the subject, burnt 
by his express command, but previously exa- 
mined into by the editor, corroborated the 
whole, One of them written by Mr. Wilkes, 
contained these remarkable words. " Dear 
" Sir, Your labors are indefatigable : the in- 
(( tegrity of your mind can only be equalled 
" by the excellencies of your reproof 
<( p roce ed in the noble cause you have un- 
<c dertaken. Be in letter or person to- 
" morrow at the Piazza at eleven. D. and 
" SO* ivill he thereof 

In some letters written by a Lady in high 
life, political subjects were the theme of 
correspondence. Not less than fifteen epis- 
tles were from a member of the Bedford 
family, who was well known to Lady 
Archer.J It appears that her Ladyship's 

* Dr. Wilmot knew Mr. Sawbridge. 

t All Mr. Wilkes's letters were deprived of their cover. 
J)ated Princes Court, or Paris. 

t One of the Lord R s. 



108 

pen was employed by her Lord, such letters 
usually beginning with " iny Lord has re- 
" ceivecl your's of such a date/' or " my 
" Lord is anxiously awaiting your answer, 
" Sec." In one of these letters there was 
an invitation to sup at Lord Ncrtbington's. 

Many letters were signed D. and C. and 
H. merely appointing meetings at the Coffee- 
houses in the neighbourhood of Covent- 
Garden, as well as in St. James's Street, 
and Nando's. 

It has been ascertained as early as 1767* 
that Lord North and our author had several 
political correspondences ; and several of his 
Lordship's letters were written with evident 
regret for the diminution of his friendship. 
He concluded one of them as follows ; 
" I have misunderstood your political in- 
" tentions greatly ; but the integrity of your 
" conduct to your noble friend assures rae 
" you will pardon my credulities," 

In several of the notes of invitation 



109 

sent fay Lord Nortliington to Dr. Wilmot, 
a kind of cypher was used, chiefly in the 
postscript. It is impossible to comprehend 
the character. The editor has a copy of 
some of these characters in her possession.* 
Mr. Dunning entertained the highest re- 
gard for our author. In many of the let- 
ters he addressed to the Doctor a Lord 5. 
was mentioned ; but whether Lord Sondes 
or Lord Shelburne, it is impossible for the 

* The letters of Lord George Sackville were very elabo- 
rate and full of matter j it appeared to the editor, that Lord 
George arid her uncle had been long confidentially intimate 
and in the habit of travelling together at different periods of 
their lives. Much was Written in Latin, and also in Greek. 

In a letter dated 17§9, he cautioned Dr. Wilmot to be care- 
ful of some W , and particularly alluded to some spirited 

«ssay of Dr. Wilmot's pen. " I do not consider," said his 
Lordship, " '* ******* your partiality blinds you, 
" you have little cause to be so great an advocate — recollect 
*' the conclusion of last year. Dine with me to morrow at 
" Lord A.'s— but tell them B. will not be at the table." 

Other private matters were touched upon in Lord Sackville's 
letter, of a nature humiliating to many an illustrious political 
character of his day. 



110 

editor to decide, as both those noblemen 
were intimate with Dr. Wilmot ; although 
the peculiar circumstances might warrant 
the conjecture of its having been the latter 
nobleman. 

The hand writing of Mr. Dunning had the 
neat stile usually observable in law writings. 
The editor perfectly recollects an allusion in 
one of them to some suit respecting a Lord 

C ., and desiring Dr. Wilmot to meet 

him as usual, at the residence of Mr. 
H. B.* 

About seventy letters,f written in a light 
running hand, were sealed with the royal 

* Either old Harry Bathurst, afterwards Lord Apsley, or 
Henry Beauclerc. 

f In one of the letters signed Dunning, written to Dr. 
Wilmot, the editor particularly recalls to her recollection, 
the followiug sentiments. " The discovery is painful — there is 
u no trusting to their assurances — I commend the determina- 
<e tions you have made — I will endeavour to amaze them by 
" the exposure of their fallacies. Write no more— leave 
f * them to their fate.— Your faithful friend, &c." 



Ill 

arms. There were also several in the Latin 
tongue, which were carefully wrapped in 
slips of paper, on which were remarks in the 
same language in the Doctor's hand-writing. 
These were sealed either with an antique 
head of Cleopatra, or some other female 
character. Sometimes the seal consisted of 
arms with a crest ; and at other times, with 
a coronet over the letter S. 

Several letters also in a similar hand- 
writing, in English, had a plain S. only. 
Had it been possible to have supposed that 
Dr. Wilmot was the author of Junius, * 
the editor of his memoirs would have been 
more particular in her inspection of these 
letters, previously to their being committed 
to the flames. 

There were several letters written in cy- 

* The editor saw by the letters she inspected, that her 
uncle had been confidentially trusted by some of the greatest 
political characters of the age, and engaged in some private 
political concerns of national consequence. 



112 

pher, and sealed with very full arms. In 
the shield were two or three lions, quartered 
in the bearings. Several curious seals are 
deeply impressed on the recollection of the 
editor ; one was Love riding on a large 
animal, finely cut, and another represented 
the offerings of three figures at an altar. 

The year previous to the editor's marri- 
age, when she was at Barton, nearly eight 
hundred letters were taken out of a sealed 
bag, and burnt by her in the presence of 
lier uncle. There were an immense num- 
ber from Lord Archer, and likewise from 
liOrds Foley, Bathurst, Abingdon, and 
Sondes; and also from Henry Beauclerc, 
John Wilkes, and Lord Rockingham. 

The editor has great reason to believe 
that Mr. Wilkes and Mr. (afterwards Lord) 
Thurlow, were very closely allied in friend* 
ship, long previous to the latter receiving 
the Seals. In several of Mr. Wilkes's .letters 
to Dr. Wilmot, there were appointments 



113 

for meetings with Mr. Thurlow and him- 
self, either at the house of Mrs. Hum- 
phries, or Dolly's chop-house. The Piazza 
coffee-house was also frequently mentioned.* 
His niece has often asked the Doctor 
whether he had not been engaged privately 
in some political department ? On being 
thus questioned, he would smile, and an- 
swer cautiously, and in an indirect man- 
ner not very usual with him. During the 
fourteen days the editor was employed in 
looking over the letters, while she remained 
at the rectory in the year 1793, her uncle 
would sit with her until dinner time, taking 
all those having the same seal, which his 
niece had collected, and throwing them 
into the fire. At one time he used the 
following remarkable expression — "I 

* Mr. Wilkes might only have known Dr. Wilmot in hi* 
own character — not as Junius. That the Doctor could keep a 
secret better than most men,, his living friends can prove. 

I 



114 

" want, Olivia, one paper, of more conse- 
" quence to others than to myself V* 

When in a pleasant humour any thing 
might be said to him without his being 
offended. Seeing letters from so many 
women of rank and fashion, his niece 
would good-naturedly rally him on his fe- 
male correspondents, and ask him who the 

. * Mrs. Serres recollects reading the Life of Bampfield 
Moore Carew, the King of the Gypsies, to her uncle ; and, 
that she expressed her amazement at his various frolics with 
his friends, under the disguise of assumed characters 5 ob- 
serving, such matters appeared incredible. " Poh, poh, you 
" are a novice, Noll," said he, " you do not know the 
" world. I once corresponded nearly three years with a 
" very intimate friend, whom I was in the habit of 
*• frequently visiting ; yet he never once suspected I was 
" his monitor ; and would, if engaged in reading my 
U epistles at the time of my visiting him, most carefully 
*' remove such papers from a likelihood of observation, 
" assuring me the most important matters were occupying 
" his attention -, — to my no small satisfaction. Upon 
fc such occasions it required all the gravity I was master of 
ts to keep my countenance, and refrain from a hearty laugh." 



I Iff 

lady was whom he most esteemed in life ? 
" My dear niece," he would say, " do not 
" recal to my remembrance the virtues of 
" her whose loss I shall ever deplore — I 
" have never admitted a second affection 
" to my heart.— No ; the excellencies of 
" her I so truly venerated, are for ever 
" engraven there." After such a declara- 
tion he would be serious for a considerable 
time. 

In every part of Dr. Wilmot's disposi- 
tion he was decidedly sincere. No liffht 
or airy caprice lessened the uncommon ener- 
gy of his mind. Where he had once fixed 
his regard, it was fixed for life; for he 
never formed a friendship until intimately 
acquainted with the temper and pursuits 
of those who were ambitious to possess his 
good 'opinion. ' 

He often observed, that the administration 
of Lord North was a most turbulent pe- 
riod ; that almost every member of the 

i 2 



116 

cabinet acted on his own separate plan, 
and was usually counteracting the mea- 
sures of the others. It was fully intended, 
Dr. Wilmot often said, to make Lord 
North, and the Dukes of Bedford an4 
Grafton, tired of and disgusted with their 
political situations. 

He would observe, that Lord Chatham 
always disliked these noblemen, and that 
the opinions of Lord Camden privately 
coincided with the measures of Lord Shel- 
burne. But the wisdom of those noblemen 
was such, that they contrived to effect 
many of their designs, without betraying 
to the world the activity of their measures, 
when opposing Lord North's administra- 
tion.* 



* When the Princess of Poland visited England, Br. 
Wilmot attended her to the University. She valued our au- 
thor exceedingly during her residence in England, and invited 
him to the court of Poland ; she frequently corresponded 
with him, after her departure from this kingdom. 



117 

Our author would speak with caution 
and reserve on these subjects ; but to se- 
veral of his friends, from whom he had 
no concealments, he would give his sen- 
timents in his usual candid and inde- 
pendent manner. Many of these friends 
are yet alive, particularly his old and va- 
lauable college-friend, the Rev. Mr. Whit- 
more, brother-in-law to Mr. Lechmere, of 
Hanley Castle, Worcestershire. This gentle- 
man has often declared, that Dr. Wilmot 
might have obtained whatever he pleased 
in high life, from his connections with 
some of .the most celebrated characters of 
the age, both literary and political, but 
that his spirit was too lofty and independent 
to court the favor of the great. 

Were it not for wounding the feelings of 
some aged and venerable characters, much 
might be said regarding the politics of 
that day. But, at a future period, some 
other light may be thrown on the whys 
i3 



118 

and iv her ej ores of Lords Chatham, Cam- 
den, and Shelburne. 

A lady* nearly connected with the 
Bedford family knew Dr. Wilmot exceed- 
ingly well, honored him with her confi- 
dential regard ; and entertained the highest 
opinion of his understanding and worth. 
Being unhappily situated, she frequently 
consulted him on her family concerns. She 
was also intimately acquainted with Lady 
Plymouth, the mother of Lady Tilney 
Long. The Doctor would frequently 
breakfast with her when in town, when 
she would relate to him the sufferings 
she was laboring under, which may ac- 
count, in some degree, for the severity 
of his animadversions on the political con- 
duct of her father-in-law. Her notes 
were all sealed with a coronet over a T. 
and generally contained invitations to Dr, 

* The Marchioness of T . 



119 

Wilmot. He would observe to his niece, 
while she was arranging the letters for 
destruction, " There were no secrets ; her 
" Ladyship had too much good sense and 
" prudence to commit her concerns to 
" paper." The hand writing w r as very 
neat and legible. 

In the year 1/73 -4, our author, on a 
sudden, became disgusted with the world ; 
about that period, death depriving him of 
many of his most distinguished friends, he 
was induced to go into retirement. The 
more so, as he had, by his liberal style 
of living, greatly exceeded his income. 
His generous and independent mind ill ac- 
corded with the fluctuating smiles of for- 
tune. Some political disagreements prompt* 
ed him to examine the principles of pre- 
tended friends, and the reflections he made 
on their conduct, afforded him, as he said, 
no satisfactory ideas or prospects. He 

i 4 



120 

determined to be independent in mind, as 
well as fortune, and to rise superior to 
every degree of chagrin or regret. " There 
" is no placing any confidence in man/' 
he would say, when entreated to enter 
again into the bustle of the great world. 
The honest principles which he possessed, 
also demanded immediate attention to his 
pecuniary concerns. Accordingly, he made 
a most judicious arrangement, and re- 
solved to reside with his mother, in the 
society of his Warwickshire friends, until 
he should free himself from his pecuniary 
embarrassments. 

When speaking of the Rev. Edward 
Whitmore, who is still alive, the Doctor 
would frequently assert, that he might 
have been made one of the highest digni- 
taries of the Church, had not his indepen- 
dence displeased several of those who were 
distinguished as much by their political si* 



121 

tuations as by their exalted rank in life. 
Like the attachment of King Charles to 
the society of Rochester, although the 
monarch dreaded his favorite's wit ; so the 
acquaintance of our author, although they 
trembled under the lash of his satire, and 
were awed by the keenness of his criticisms 
on the general tenor of their political prin- 
pies and conduct, yet constantly courted 
his society! 

The Lady of the Earl of Plymouth con- 
tinued to be one of the Doctor's greatest 
friends. When discoursing of this Lady, he 
would generally dwell upon the excellent 
qualities of her head and heart. She was 
beautiful, virtuous, and discreet. Her ami- 
able manners and dignified deportment 
towards her equals and superiors, rendered 
her one of the first female characters of the 
age she lived in. The Doctor likewise 
greatly esteemed her sisters, the Ladies 
Sondes and Winter ton. No transaction 



122 

affecting the interests of these noble families' 
was withheld from his confidence. Nor did 
the daughters of Lady Plymouth neglect the 
venerable friend of their departed parents, 
when it pleased Divine Providence to de- 
prive him of his sight. Lady Sarah Cres- 
pigny the sister, and Mrs. Fullarton the 
daughter of Lady Elizabeth Townsend, paid 
him also every kind of attention. Being 
his neighbour at Barton, they generally 
paid him morning visits at least two or three 
times a week. He did not latterly enjoy the 
company of Lady Tilney Long; but he 
frequently observed that Lady Catherine 
Windsorpossessed a very superior judgment, 
and had exhibited marks of strong sense, 
and refined taste from an early period of 
life. Captain Windsor, for some years, 
lived near to the Doctor, and frequently 
visited him on terms of the greatest inti- 
macy. Nothing indeed conduced so much 
to his happiness, as the attentive regard 



123 

evinced by the Plymouth family, whom he 
loved with almost parental affection. 

Mr. Sheldon, of Weston House, Long- 
Compton, was also a friend of Dr. Wilmot. 
He was a gentleman whose public and 
private virtues were held in great estima- 
tion by our author. At all times, he was 
much gratified when favored with Mr. 
Sheldon's visits, and would dwell with 
much pleasure, w r hen absent, on the gene- 
rosity of his character. 

The Rev. Mr. Willes, of Cherrington, 
near Barton, the younger son of Lord 
Chief Justice Willes, had been the com- 
panion and friend of the Doctor from early 
age. Residing within a few miles of each 
other, the most friendly intercourse ex- 
isted between the families. Every thought 
of the Doctor's was known to Mr. Wilies. 
He considered Mrs. Willes one of the first 
of women in point of virtue, as a mother, 
a w T ife, and a friend. " She is a pattern 



124 

" to all the women in the world," he 
would say^ " wise, faithful, affectionate, 
" and sincere ; I never discovered a 
" single fault in her mind or disposi- 
" tion." One of the greatest plea- 
sures he experienced, during the latter 
period of his life, was the society of Mr. 
and Mrs. Willes. Friendship and hospi- 
tality, with their attendant cordialities, 
always welcomed our venerable author, 
whenever he appeared at Cherington. Mr. 
Willes, for several years previous to his 
death, enjoyed but an indifferent state of 
health ; yet Dr. Wilraot declared the sallies 
of his wit were like the sparklings of the 
finest champagne. 

He was well acquainted with the Lord 
Chief Justice; and when Mr. Willes de- 
parted this life, his loss was greatly la- 
mented by his faithful friend ; on the day 
of his interment, our author was observed 
to shed tears. His anguish must have 



125 

been severe, as he exclaimed, " It is time 
" that I should wish the world good night; 
" for the most faithful friends of my bo- 
" soni are almost all elevated to a situation 
" of superior felicity ; while I, a solitary 
" sojourner here, live to deplore their 
" loss." 

Although the temper of Dr. Wilmot, 
within a few years of his death, became 
very irritable and tenacious, yet when he 
entirely lost his sight, the true sense of 
religion so governed his thoughts, that he 
permitted no murmurings to escape his lips, 
relative to the greatest human calamity 
that could befal him. " Am I not very 
" aged/' he would often say, " and is not 
" the blessing of every other sense per- 
" mitted me, why then should I be dis- 
" satisfied with the dispensations of my 
" gracious Father above ?" 

Abhorring all bigotry in religion, he 
entertained in his heart the noblest of its 



126 

sentiments* Of too generous and sincere* 
a disposition to endeavor, by sophistry, to 
mislead the erring mind, he always studied 
the best mode of pointing out, for the 
practice of the uneducated, the easiest 
and most comprehensive manner of ap- 
proaching their gracious Father in Heaven. 
When in his eightieth year, he would say, 
iC That the most religious man must be 
" the most moral I have known some 
u orthodox beings, who, religiously bi- 
" gotted, have not possessed a particle of 
" human benevolence or feeling, in the 
" composition of their nature/' 

Dr. Wilmot was exceedingly fond of 
gardening, and was an excellent botanist. 
He would give to his niece the finest les- 
sons of religion, as he carefully pointed 
out to her notice the wonderful formation 
of each flower and shrub that engaged his 
attention. He would lead her, progres- 
sively, to the px^esence of her Creator, by 



127 

explaining to her the miracles which pro- 
ceeded from his hands. Then, raising his 
expressive eyes to Heaven, " When, OIU 
" via/' he would exclaim, " we behold 
" the beauties of the rising sun, ancj 
4fc trace his daily career through the cloud- 
" less hemisphere, who can see such glories 
" without most gratefolly acknowledging 
" the existence of an omnipotent God I" 

It seems as if every degree of useful 
knowledge was eagerly desired by his ca- 
pacious mind. His eloquence was so flow- 
ing and graceful, particularly when giving 
any dissertation on nature, religion, his- 
tory, or philosophy, that he impressed on 
the minds of those who listened to his 
observations, the utmost reverence and 
belief. 

During the best part of Dr. Wilmot's 
life he frequently preached before the 
University; and it is recollected by many 
living characters, that on such occasions 



128 

the most crowded audiences testified their 
admiration of his talents and eloquence. 
He seems to have been born for the ser- 
vice of others, totally regardless of his 
own transcendent abilities ; and possess- 
ing that innate modesty, which is ever 
attendant on real merit, he labored to pro- 
cure for others, high and important situa- 
tions, which he might otherwise have se- 
cured for himself. 

Dr. Wilmot was generally entreated to 
take the chair at political meetings either 
at Oxford or in the county of Warwick, 
whenever he was at any of those places. 
His brilliant flow of wit, his independent 
spirit, and his acknowledged integrity, 
caused in his very enemies an anxiety to 
hear and enjoy his lively flashes and merri- 
ment. 

Dining with a large party at one of the 
race dinners at Warwick, Lords Grosvenor, 
Craven, and Archer being present, request- 



129 

ed the Doctor to take the chair. He did 
so, and immediately after dinner, their 
Lordships proposed a toast, prefacing it by 
observing, that Dr. Wilmot, from his reli- 
gious calling, most be extremely charitable, 
and consequently a great promoter of phi- 
lanthropy and feeling towards mankind ] 
" We propose,'' said their Lordships, " the 
" health of all the poor w — s in Great 
" Britain." The Chairman, clearly com- 
prehending their intentions, which were to 
create a laugh against him, determined to 
turn the tables on them. Filling his glass, 
he rose, and addressed the company, by 
saying, " I have, Gentlemen, the honor to 
" give you the toast of my noble friends, 
" with a trilling amendment of my own. 
" Gentlemen, here's to the health of all 
" the poor w — s of Great Britain, not 
" forgetting the rich ones." It is impossible 
to describe the effect of the amendment. 
The roar of laughter continued for a con- 

K 



130 

siderable time, accompanied by the applause 
of the whole company. The witty ma- 
noeuvre of the Doctor, occasioned every 
glass to be emptied, and while the merri- 
ment continued, the noble Lords, feeling 
the cutting satire contained in the addition 
to their own toast, left the room, much 
displeased at the turn which had been given 
it. Although Dr. Wilmot had great reason 
to feel offended at the manner they had 
acted towards him as a clergyman ; yet, he 
kept his countenance, and never, during 
the whole of the evening, in the slightest 
degree, evinced any outward displeasure. 

When talking of those who pretended to 
wit, he would say, that weak minds often 
had recourse to obscenity, in which they 
imagined, were sallies of humour. " But 
" men of real talents," he would continue 
to observe, " let down their buckets into 
" more transparent waters." 

Whenever any one incurred his displea- 



131 • 

sure, he would say, " I'll raise a storm 
" about their ears that shall make them 
cc tremble with a consciousness of their own 
M guilt." Once he was exceedingly displeased 
with his groom respecting the lameness and 
illness of a favorite horse. The editor 
never saw him more angry in her life. At 
last the horse died. As the Doctor was 
proceeding towards the stables in order to 
reprimand the man for his neglect > by which 
he had lost a valuable animal, he found the 
poor fellow weeping over the dead horse. 
The Doctor was possessed of feelings ; un- 
like many others, he never talked, but 
practised. The situation in which he saw 
the servant arrested his intention of chiding, 
it banished all anger from his mind. He 
desired the man to bury the animal as soon 
as he could, and to come to him when he 
had performed that duty. The man's wife 
had lately lain in, and the child was in a 
state to be baptised. The poor man entered 
k 2 



132 

his master's apartment with a sorrowful 
countenance. His looks greatly interested 
the Doctor, who immediately determined not 
to add to his present uneasiness. He therefore 
enquired if his child were not to have been 
christened that day, and gave him a guinea 
to regale on the occasion. " For this time, 
" I look over your neglect/' said he to the 
rejoiced fellow ; " but remember if ever you 
" act so carelessly again, I shall immedi- 
" ately discharge you from my service." 
He then went into the room where his niece 
was sitting, observing, that Job had his 
trials as well as himself. 

It will be hereafter detailed in these 
Memoirs, an account of a very extraordi- 
nary robbery which took place at the 
Rectory in the year 1791 , by which many 
valuable effects belonging to the Doctor 
were plundered and lost. Amongst these, 
were various seals, watches and rings. 
Amongst the former was one, which our 



133 

author used to call his Junius, the im- 
pression of which seal the editor described 
so particularly and so clearly to Mr. Wood- 
fall, that he confessed, without the least 
hesitation, he remembered a similar seal 
to have been affixed to the letters and other 
communications transmitted to his late 
father by the author of Junius : the im- 
pression on this seal was a head crowned 
with laurel. There was also another which 
represented a female head, with a very 
long neck, the description of which, when 
mentioned to Mr. Woodfall, he also re- 
membered. 

In regard to the impressions of seals on 
the letters addressed to Dr. Wilmot, there 
were many having mitres, and almost all 
with coronets. The following families, 
were among his correspondents. 



Members of the Royal 

Family. 
Tavistock. 



The Archbishop of Can- 
terbury. 
Chatham, 



K 3 



134 



Dunning. 


Neville. 


Warwick. 


Wren. 


Plymouth. 


Garth. 


Rockingham. 


Parr. 


Say and Sele. 


Child. 


Archer. 


Beaufort, 


Onslow. 


Dutton. 


Wheeler. 


Parker. 


Shuckburgh, 


Grosvenor. 


Dartmouth. 


Shelburne. 


Aylesford. 


Woodall. 


Denbigh. 


Ingram. 


Willoughby. 


Whitmore, 


Foley. 


Lechmere. 


Bathurst. 


Chambers. 


Northington. 


Dormer. 


Wright. 


Craven. 


Ashburton. 


Leigh. 


Thurlow. 


Ilchester. 


North. 


Bishop of Worcester. 


Sackville. 


Grenville. 


Sondes. 


Mordaunt. 


Winterton, 


Skepwith. 


Abingdon. 


Lawley. 


Sheldon. 


Townsend. 


Mr. Wilkes. 


Windsor, 



135 



Dechair. 

Nichols, of Wells. 

Willes. 

Neve. 

Chapman. 

Hertford. 

Late Sir J. Dashwood. 

Johnston family. 

Pulteney. 

Moore. 

Wentworth. 

Lord Fitzgerald. 

Lord Lenox. 

Mr. Howard. 

Dr. Randolph. 



Dr. Cook. 
Dr. Richards. 
Scott family. 
Biddulph, 
Newdigate. 
Spencer. 
Bishop Horsley. 
Dr. Neve. 
Dr. Price. 
Mr. Kett. 
Dr. Davy. 
Dr. Chapman. 
Dr. Leigh. 
Mr. Burke. 



In the year 1769, Dr. Wilmot frequently 
resided at the house of his brother-in-law, 
Captain Payne, with whom a gentleman 
of the name of Fretland was on terms of 
intimacy. The Doctor was consequently 
much in his company, and, in a short time, 
they became exceeding friendly to each 
other. Mr. Fretland was a native of 
America, and had concerns in the West 
k4 



136 

Indies, from whence he frequently sent to his 
friend Dr. Wilmot various productions of 
that climate.* 

A circumstance related by Dr. Wilmot, 
concerning Lord Northington, is strongly 
brought to the recollection of the editor. 
He had recommended the brother of a 
servant in his employ, to make some book- 
cases and shelves in his Lordship's family. 
This man's name was Middleton, and a 
cabinet-maker by trade ; on beginning his 
work, hisLordship advanced him a hundred 
pounds, in order, as he said, " that no rotten 
" timbers might be found in his house.'' 

During the Chancellorship of Lord 
Northington, our author was well known 

* This name is mentioned, as it induces a strong pre- 
sumption that that of Fretly made use of by Junius in his 
private correspondence with Mr. Woodfall, might mean the 
same person ; and that Junius, with his usual caution, had 
changed the last syllable to avoid discovery, even by his 
friends, with whom he daily communicated. 



137 

to the Archbishop of Canterbury, with 
whom he was a great favorite. His re- 
latives and friends accordingly concluded 
that his elevation to episcopal dignity would 
certainly soon take place. When congra- 
tulated on these prospects, he would good-? 
natu redly smile at the vivacity of their 
wishes, and say to them : '_? As soon as 
" I am really distinguished by a mitre, I 
" shall then excuse the partiality you 
" evince ; but until that period, I shall be 
" obliged by your leaving my fortunes to 
" the protection of Providence." 

One morning, when breakfasting with 
Mrs. North, the Bishop of Winchester's 
lady, on his return to the mansion of 
Lady Plymouth, he was earnestly entreat- 
ed to write to Lord North, as a bish- 
oprick was vacant. To the solicitations of 
his friends, he answered : " My head 
*' is a square one, and all the mitres of 
*' Great Britain are round/' But indeed 



138 

so great was his political aversion to the 
politics of those days, that even had his 
wishes tended towards so high a preferment 
in the Church, he would, on no account, 
have accepted it from the hands of the men 
whose administration was the subject of 
his indignant and patriotic pen. 

In the height of his intimate friendship 
with Lord Plymouth, the living of Solihull 
Warwickshire became vacant. It was of 
great value, and was designed by his Lord- 
ship and Lord Archer for Dr. Wilmot ; 
but they conceived that he himself should 
ask for the presentation. The instant the 
circumstance was mentioned to him, he 
pretended affairs of consequence, urged his 
presence at a distance from Ewel, the seat 
of Lord Plymouth ; he therefore proceeded 
post to Oxford, and from thence to London, 
where he resided in the house of his sister, 
until he heard that the living was otherwise 
disposed of. His friend Lord Plymouth 



139 

was much dissatisfied with him, and cha- 
grined that such an intimate and chosen 
companion should refuse asking for what 
he conceived of trifling value, inadequate to 
the sense he entertained of the Doctor's 
virtues. Although the conduct of our 
author on this occasion was very sensibly 
felt by his Lordship, he could not, however, 
refuse paying him, when he returned to Ewe], 
that just tribute of applause and admira- 
tion which his forbearance so much de- 
served. Lord Archer regretted to his death 
that the living had not been bestowed on 
Dr. Wilmot. 

Whenever our author talked of this cir- 
cumstance, it was always with pleasure and 
satisfaction. The integrity and independency 
of mind which he so eminently possessed, 
were the springs of all his actions, and ac- 
tuated his conduct on that occasion. 
Shortly before he died, he told a gentleman 
pf the name of Pickering who visited him, 



140 

that one of the greatest satisfactions he ex- 
perienced as a dying man, arose from his 
never having solicited a favor for himself in 
the course of his long life. 

His noble patron the Earl of Warwick, 
unsolicited, conferred on him the living of 
Aulcester. The Rectory of Barton-on-the- 
Heath he enjoyed from being the senior 
Fellow of Trinity College ; in whose gift 
it is. 

In the early part of his clerical life our 
author possessed the friendship and confi- 
dence of Dr. Hurd the late Bishop of Wor- 
cester, which continued until the decease 
of the latter. The Bishop while preceptor 
to the Princes, on all occasions distinguish- 
ed him by every attention and regard. He 
was also much noticed by the Duke of 
Gloucester, who secretly opposed the poli- 
tical plans of his brother the Duke of Cum 
berland. In all probability much important 



141 

political communication transpired between 
these distinguished characters. 

The editor has great reason to believe that 
Lord Northington had been the legal advi- 
ser of our author on many occasions. And, 
from having been from infancy favoured with 
the friendship of Sir James Wright, with 
whom his Lordship was nearly connected 
by marriage, it may be inferred that, that 
great man gave his legal advice respecting 
the matter connected with the judicature of 
these realms in the Letters of Junius. 

Counsellor Wheeler, brother to Sir Wil- 
liam Wheeler was one of Dr. Wilmot's 
sincerest friends and admirers. He was 
also intimate with Thurlow and Wilkes. 
The father of the editor, our author's bro- 
ther, resided at St. John's in the borough of 
Warwick, a large old-fashioned mansion 
built of stone similar to that with which 
Warwick Castle is erected. This building 
was a Convent in the reign of Henry VIII., 






142 

and was by that monarch given to the 
family of Stoughton, which, next to that 
of Greville, was considered the most 
powerful and wealthy in Warwick. Ah 
heiress of the Stoughton family was married 
in the reign of George II. to Colonel Money 
of Northamptonshire, who let the man- 
sion and pleasure grounds to Mr. Robert 
Wilmot. 

On the birth of Mr. Wilmot's eldest son, 
Mr. Wheeler was requested to stand 
sponsor, but being destined for India, and 
obliged to sail previous to the ceremony of 
baptism, Sir Charles Shuckburgh was the 
proxy on that occasion. Mr. Wheeler, 
however, sent two hampers of arrack for 
the christening, which took place on a 
Tuesday ; among the company were no 
less than seven clergymen; the con- 
viviality continued until Saturday night 
without interruption ; several of the laity 
not returning to their respective homes to 



143 

perform the duties of their religious call- 
ing until the Sabbath. 

Sir George Shuckburgh was ever a great 
friend and companion of the Doctor's. 
When the editor was some .years back pub- 
lishing a volume of her poems, Sir George, 
a short time prior to his death, though en- 
feebled by age and sickness, wrote to her 
the following letter. 

" March 5th, 1806. 



" Madam 



" Your Uncle, Dr. Wilmot is one 

* of my oldest, and most respected friends. 

" I beg leave to subscribe for twenty sets of 

" your work, as it will afford me infinite 

" pleasure to peruse your poetical essays 

" from your having been educated by, 

" and the favorite relative of 9 mv dear Dr. 

" Wilmot. 

{Signed) 

" G. Shuckburgh." 



144 

The Rev. Mr. John Shuckborough was 
also much esteemed by the Doctor, who 
would frequently speak of the amiable qua- 
lities and disposition of his friend. 

Amongst the numerous friends of our 
respected author, none was more esteemed 
than Mr. Woodall, of Theford Hall, Nor- 
thamptonshire ; a gentleman not more 
admired for his scholastic acquirements, 
than venerated for a beneficence of dispo- 
sition that displays universal philanthropy. 
He is an elegant poet, and the true friend 
of merit, which he patronizes in every si- 
tuation of life. He married one of the 
Miss Ingrams of Wolford Hall, near Ship- 
stone-upon-Stour ; a lady of the most 
amiable and benevolent disposition, whose 
personal loveliness and mental acquire- 
ments, render her an ornament to the 
society she moves in. Miss Anne Ingram, 
Mrs. Woodall' s sister, was much valued by 
£>r. Wilmot : a great intimacy existed be- 



145 

tween the respective families ; and, if our 
author's veneration for this lady was par- 
ticular, the sentiment was occasioned by 
the high opinion he entertained of her 
sense, wit, and amiable qualities. 

Captain Ingram and our author were 
in the habit of intimate friendship for 
nearly thirty years. The rectory was con- 
tiguous to the Ingram estate, and conse- 
quently the friends were often together, 
Mr. Ingram died some years before Dr. 
Wilmot, who never ceased to deplore the 
loss of his old friend and companion. 

The late Sir Harry Parker was also a 
great friend of Dr. Wilmot, who, when 
he became old and infirm, generally re- 
ceived from him an annual visit. Mr. 
Wren, of Wroxall in Warwickshire, and 
Mr. West, the brother of Lady Archer; 
were also ranked amongst his most es- 
teemed acquaintance. 

The old Duke of Beaufort and Lord 



146 

Say and Sele honored the Doctor with 
their confidence and friendship. He used 
frequently to visit the latter nobleman in 
company with Mr. H. Bathurst, the brother 
of Lord Bathurst. Dr. Parr, of Hatton, 
was also known by our author, who 
entertained the highest opinion of the 
talents and general character of this 
learned man ; he would often expatiate on 
his wonderful acquirements, and observe 
that, in point of strong intellect and 
greatness of mind, he was another Thur- 
low. 

Laurence Sterne was another of Dr. 
Wilmot's intimates ; and, when speaking cf 
him, he would say: " Yorick was the life 
" of wit and conviviality : but his fate and 
" mine were nearly similar; we both 
" ought to have been bishops, if the for- 
" mation of our heads had not been such 
" as to exclude the compression of a mitre: 
" but the road to such church preferment 



147 

S was extremely repugnant to Sterne's 

5 feelings and my own ; servility we never 
c practised ; there was no occasion for 
' us to become the defilei s of the princi- 
? pies of honor and integrity, to arrive 

6 at a certain eminent situation in the ec- 
c clesiastical world. There are always 
f plenty of fawning hypocrites in every 
f country, and Sterne and myself fre- 
' quently experienced the most friendly 

c \ offices from such toad-eaters of the 
" great." 

The memory of Dr. Hollyoak, of War- 
wick, was much respected by our author ; 
Mr. Birch, Mr. Packwood, Mr. Howel, Dr. 
Garland, Mr. Mathews, Mr Dunn, and Mr. 
Rowe, were amongst his intimate town 
friends. 

Mr. Warton, the Poet Laureat, and our 
author, lived on terms of the strictest inti- 
macy, as before has been stated. Equally 
abounding in wit, they did not spare each 

l 2 



148 

other, and enjoyed with good humor the 
laugh they had mutually raised. The Doctor 
had three nicknames while at theUniversity : 
he was called Jemmy Right, because he was 
said to be always on the conquering side of 
every political debate ; Jemmy Wise, be- 
cause he kept Minerva's bird by his bedside, 
perched on the arm of an elbow chair, to 
rouse him in the morning : and Popularity 
JVilmot, because he was for the most part 
chosen to fill the chair at every public 
meeting held at Oxford. 

No man was more entertaining in his 
conversation ; bat having once sat, for half 
an hour, silent, to the great annoyance of 
his friend, Warton, who swore he had 
the ague in the jaw through the business. 
He then wrote on the Doctor the follow- 
ing lines. 

" Our Jemmy Right and Jemmy W T ise, : 

Has got a killing pair of eyes ! 
But the burthen of my song, 
Is, poor Jemmy has no tongue /" 



149 

Oar author, on reading the next morn- 
ing Mr. Warton's publication called " The 
Oxford Sausage," a work now very scarce, 
wrote in a page pf the book the following 
lines, and sent to his friend. 

" Poor Tommy's Sausage brown is broiled, 
The Cook, alas ! has over toiled 3 
But many lick the savory dish. 
And feast upon this stolen fish." 

When he was pursuing his studies at 
Trinity College, the Poet Laureat wrote on 
a slip of paper, which he affixed to the door 
of his chamber, the following verse : 

" Our Jemmy Wilmot is no ass» 
So, let the youthful scholar pass." 

When Wilmot read the lines, by way of 
revenge, he took a piece of chalk, and 
wrote upon Wharton's door. 

" Oh ! Tommy Wharton is no fool, 
So send the pretty lad to school." 

The editor, wishing to state every thing 
relative to her late uncle according to the 

l 3 



150 

principles of truth, feels it a happiness to 
say that there are those now living who 
remember Dr. Wilmot and his friend 
Warton as the ornaments of the Uni- 
versity. Their society was courted every- 
where, and the convivial hour passed 
slowly by, if the wit and humour of the 
two friends did not enliven— -if their know- 
ledge did not amuse and instruct, the 
frequent parties to which they were invited, 
and where they were anxiously expeeted. 

Mr. Whitmore, whose sister was the se- 
cond wife of the late Mr. Lechmere of Hanly 
Castle, was accustomed to visit Dr. Wilmot 
for two months at a time, at Barton, until 
the period of his decease. Mr. Whitmore 
possesses one of those generous disinte- 
rested dispositions, which do honour to 
human nature. He is a scholar of consi- 
derable eminence and was loved by Dr 
Wilmot with fraternal affection : it was 
delightful to hear them talk, whenever they 



151 

met, of the interesting circumstances of 
their former lives. Mr. Whitmore's ne- 
phew is Mr. Lechmere the Banker at Wor- 
cester, whose family is of the greatest res- 
pectability in that county. 

Dr. Greenwood, the celebrated friend of 
the late Bishop Newton, w r as very much at- 
tached to our author. Before his death, 
he gave Dr. Wilmot an elegant edition of 
Milton, which the Bishop had presented to 
Dr. Greenwood. This edition was filled 
with original notes in the hand-writing of 
the Bishop, many of which are not printed 
in the last edition.* 

Our author invited Dr. Greenwood one 
winter's evening to visit him. Large 
logs of wood, as was the custom in the 
country, were placed on the fire. It was 
the festivity of Christmas, the general sea- 

* This edition is in the possession of Dr. Wilmot'a 
niece. 

i,4 



152 

son of jocularity. " Wilmot," observed 
Dr. Greenwood, " you are very unfeeling 
" to burn my effigy in my presence, your 
" fire is made of green wood' 9 " True," 
replied his friend, " but those logs are 
" only the emblems of your youth ; my 
** dear friend, I had no intention of in- 
" suiting your decaying timbers." 

Dr. Greenwood wrote for, and assisted 
Dr. Johnson in several of his periodical 
publications. His mind was a noble one, 
and his character respectable as a scholar, 
a poet, and a divine. Few have excelled 
him either in their public or private life. 

Mr. Kelt of Trinity College was much 
attached to our author during his life, and 
continues to venerate his memory. This 
gentleman's scholastic abilities were much 
admired by Dr. Wilmot, whose discrimi- 
nating judgment never erred in discovering 
talent, nor ever refused paying a just tribute 
to merit wherever he found it. 



153 

Dr. Price, usually called Honest Johnny 
Price, keeper of the Bodleian Library, 
who was patronized and respected by the 
late Duke of Beaufort, our author was 
wont to describe as one of the worthiest 
characters he had ever known. At the 
house of Dn Chapman, the late President 
of Trinity, the editor had the pleasure of 
being introduced to Dr. Price, and several 
other dignified members of the University, 
who were her uncle's friends. Amongst 
them were Dr. Cook, the Head of Bra- 
zen-Nose, the Rev. Dr, Tatham, Dr. 
Neve, Drs. Willis, Randolph, Jack- 
son, Flammock, Mr. Richards,* &c. &c. 

When the Presidency of Trinity College 
became vacant, the fellows proposed elect- 
ing Dr. Wilmot to fill that honorable situa- 
tion. When he was made acquainted with 
their intention, from motives the most 

* This gentleman Dr. Wilmot greatly admired. " He 
V will be a great man," said he, on reading some of his 
classical essays, justly considered works of infinite taste. 



154 

praise-worthy he begged leave to decline 
the honor. " I should be too severe a 
" disciplinarian/' said he, " I recommend 
" Dr. Chapman to your notice ; he is a very 
" good-natured man, of an even temper, 
" and therefore likely to be considerate to 
" the errors of youth. " The casting vote 
of our author conferred the Presidency on 
Dr. Chapman.* This anecdote is a suffi- 
cient illustration of Dr. Wilmot's dispo- 
sition. Egotism was a sentiment foreign 
to his mind, and this feeling was never 
more conspicuous than when he thus re- 
signed the dignity offered to his accep- 
tance. 

Lord Archer and Mr. Wilkes were con- 
fidential friends. His Lordship's letters to 
Dr. Wilmot were generally written in Latin, 
as were also those to Mr. Wilkes. In the 

* When Mrs. Serres, the editor of these Memoirs, passed 
through Oxford, after visiting Barton, on the decease of her ve- 
nerated unele, in 1807, Dr. Chapman and Mr. Kett honored her 
by the politest attention during her residence at the University. 



155 

beginning of the war 1773 Lord Archer had, 
unknown to the Doctor, solicited preferment 
for his friend, which was accordingly pro- 
mised by Lord ##******. The noble Lord's 
inattention to his promises irritated the feel- 
ings of, and was resented by Lord Archer, 
who conceived that both himself and his 
friend were insulted by such conduct. His 
Lordship swore " there was no faith in the 
promises of Statesmen," and therefore re*- 
solved to retire from London, in which 
determination he was joined by our author 
This they did with great satisfaction to their 
own feelings, though very much to the dis- 
appointment and mortification of several of 
their political friends, who greatly depended 
on the talents of his Lordship's auditor. 

Lady Archer was a woman of great 
spirit and ability. She confided a!l her 
secrets to Dr. Wilmot, and greatly assisted 
her Lord in the patriotic proceedings of that 
day. Her Ladyship and Lady Tavistock 



156 

were devoted friends. It is fair to infer^ 
that Junius was induced, by the desire of his 
friend Lord Archer, to reprimand the 
Duke of Bedford, which his letters to that 
Statesman particularly testify. 

Our author often declared, that it was 
owing to Lord Archer he entered so much 
into the political labyrinth ; left to his own 
free will, he would not have proceeded so 
far as he did. When talking on this sub- 
ject, he would say. " My eyes must fail 
" me — no man has labored so much at the 
" pen by candle-light as I have done — to 
" satisfy the ambition, and to add to the 
" interest of others. God knows, my own 
" rewards have been very, very trifling, 
" excepting the approbation of a tranquil 
** conscience. — I could write volumes on 
" these subjects," he would emphatically 
say. 

Lord Archer and Lord Chatham, well 
aware of the political knowledge of our 



157 

author introduced him to Lord Shelburne j 
under whom he held a private confidential 
situation of great importance. He conse- 
quently had an opportunity of learning all 
the secrets of the Cabinet. Indeed, the 
whole of the political proceedings, while 
Lord Shelburne was in office, and as long 
as our author continued in the private 
situation alluded to, were in a manner not 
only within his knowledge ;,*! he also 
acknowledged that his friend Mr. Charles 
Willes, in early life, had been greatly 
entrusted by him in many political con- 
cerns of consequence. Mr. Willes was 
also the friend of Mr. G. Onslow, Mr. 
Dunning, and Mr. Beauclerc, and once 
told the editor, that her uncle had been 
Lord Rockingham's most intimate friend ; 

* Doctor Wilmot once declared that Lord Shelburne* s 
partiality towards him, hut two people in the world com- 
pletely understood. " Men of the greatest talents seldom 
te keep their secrets well, especially if married/' said he ; 
" but I never have had cause to reproach Lord S. on this 
? head." 



158 

but tliat the political cabals of Lord North's 
administration disgusted both himself and 
Dr. Wilmot. 

Our author, in 1773-4, retired from the 
bustle of the great world. The fashion- 
able scenes of life no longer engaged his 
attention. Deprived, by death, of some of 
his dearest friends and companions; disap- 
pointed of the expectations he had once 
entertained of attaining the highest prefer- 
ment in the Church ; disgusted with the little 
portion of sincerity he had met with ; and, 
above all, viewing with pain and concern 
the mischievous policy which was bringing 
ruin on the empire; he determined to re- 
main, for the rest of his life, in the greatest 
retirement. Added to these inducements, 
his affairs were in a deranged state ; he had 
ever lived in the most liberal and gentle- 
manly manner, consistent with the rank 
he held in society ; and scarcely ever re- 
ceiving any favor without returning it. in 
a double degree. IJe entertained some of 



159 

the highest personages in the country at 
his table; and thus, without having any 
vicious inclinations, he found himself over- 
whelmed with pecuniary embarrassments 
of a formidable nature. 

With a noble integrity, he reduced the 
whole of his establishment, and appro- 
priated his income to the liquidation of his 
debts. He retired, for several years, to the 
house of his mother, and the society of a 
few friends, whose conversation enlivened 
the gloom of his solitude, and cheered him 
amidst the disappointments it was his lot to 
experience. This economical arrangement 
soon relieved him from a situation galling 
to his generous bosom. As soon as he 
had satisfied every demand upon him, he 
took up his residence in his native county 
Warwick, in which dwelt many of his 
firmest friends ; among them were the 
Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Aylesford, 
Lord Archer, Lord Denbigh, Lord Wil- 
loughby, Lord Dormer, Sir John Mor- 



170 

daunt, Sir Robert Lawley, Sir William 
Wheeler, Sir George Shuckburgh, Rev. 
Mr. Shuckborough, Sir Francis Skipwith, 
and the Earl, now Marquis, of Hertford. 

In all his pecuniary vexations, the period 
when the world shews itself in its just 
colors, and friendship is but a name, that 
of the Earl of Warwick for Dr. Wilmot 
was noble and sincere. This sentiment 
was founded on reciprocity of feeling, and 
a consciousness of the worth of his friend j 
and it was ever a gratifying thought to 
our author, that he was so distinguished 
by a nobleman who possessed a most en- 
lightened mind, and philanthropic souk 
So sincerely did the Doctor venerate the 
whole of the noble family of Greville, 
that he educated his nephew and niece 
in principles of feeling similar to his own. 
— " The Earl of Warwick should have had 
" worlds in his power," Dr. Wilmot would 
say, " then all his fellow- creatures would 
" experience his benevolent care." 



171 

The sacrifices our author made to re- 
lieve himself from the pressure of his 
debts, proved the greatness of his mind. 
Even in the midst of his embarrass- 
ments, his word was considered sacred ; 
and had he been inclined to profit by the 
offered loans of his friends, who were 
anxious to assist him, he might have settled 
his affairs without remaining so long in 
retirement. 

When his niece resided with him, he 
w T ould frequently relate the innocent artU 
fices he used in order to prevent giving 
his mother anxiety respecting his pecuniary 
concerns. When these circumstances per- 
plexed his mind, that he might avoid giv- 
ing the good old lady any suspicion of 
his situation, he took a lodging about ten 
miles from Warwick, where he would abide 
for weeks together, shut up and devoted 
to his books. On his return, he would 
inform his mother, with the utmost as- 

M 



172 

mimed cheerfulness, hehadbeen visiting some 
of his dearest friends. His venerable parent, 
at that time, was approaching the eightieth 
year of her age; of most extraordinary- 
beauty of person, even at that advanced 
time of life. She could walk upright 
without a cane, and work without spec- 
tacles ; was of a lively animated disposition, 
exceeding shrewd and sensible, and of a 
most prudent and religious turn of mind. 

The Earl of Warwick, with his usual 
consideration for the interests of Dr. Wil- 
mot's family, presented him to the rectory 
of Aulcester, a very advantageous living, 
situate near to Ragley Park, the seat of 
the present Marquis of Hertford. This 
favor of the Earl was most gratefully ac- 
knowledged by the Doctor, who said, such 
opportunities of serving were satisfactory 
to the mind of his noble patron. Several 
other distinguished persons of the county, 
who had engaged much of his time and 



173 

advice in their political regulations, un- 
solicited, made our author the most splen- 
did offers of friendship and favor. Among 
those who were eager to serve him, was 
a certain noble family, whose policy our 
author never opposed, from motives of 
disinterested honor, however he might 
justly condemn the excessive ambition that 
actuated most of its political measures. 

The female part of the family in ques- 
tion had distinguished him by a display 
of confidence and friendship. There were 
always secrets in that family to be pre- 
served from the knowledge of the world ; 
and the anxiety of the parties to engage 
his forbearance in the promulgation of 
those secrets, rendered them servile in the 
extreme, in courting his society and friend- 
ship. 

Ever alive to the movements of the hu- 
man heart, in its various subterfuges, our 
author traced the real disposition of the 
m 2 



174 

noble Earl. Disapproving his political 
measures, he declined a longer interference 
with his side of the question. To break 
off the connection entirely, and to avoid 
giving offence, he made a journey into 
Wales, and stopt some time at Swansea, 
with an old friend who resided there. 
During his absence, the political misconr 
ceptions of the Earl were manifested pretty 
clearly to the world. 

About 1781, Dr. Wilmot, being the 
senior fellow of Trinity College, was pre- 
sented to the rectory of Barton-on-the- 
Heath, near Shipston, Warwickshire, an 
exceeeding good living, which enabled him, 
with Aulcester, and Long Compton, which 
he presided over for his friend Dr. Gash, 
to keep a genteel establishment. He still 
preserved his munificent spirit, and kept a 
handsome table, at which gentlemen of the 
University and the families of the neigh- 
bouring gentry were in the constant habit 



175 

of attending. His mother died at a very 
advanced age at this place, and was buried 
in the chancel of Barton church. She re- 
tained her faculties until within a few 
days previous to her death. Having a 
paralytic stroke in the early part Gf June, 
she had been, for a short period, confined 
to her room. One morning, while the 
Doctor, who considered his mother would 
soon be able to come down stairs, w T as 
taking his usual walk in the fields about 
the Parsonage, she requested the house- 
keeper to let her be carried into the flower 
garden. To oblige the venerable lady, the 
servants obeyed her : w r armly wrapped up 
in a chair, they placed her nearly in the 
centre of the most beautiful shrubs and 
flowers. Mrs. Wilmot, with a mind filled 
with the rich stores of religion, and posses- 
sing an innate feeling that she was shortly 
about to receive the reward of a well -spent 
life, several times repeated, " Who can 
M 3 



176! 

" behold that sun, and those lovely flowers, 
" and doubt there is a Divine Parent in 
w Heaven ? " She smiled, as she spake ; 
and, closing her eyes, to keep out the vivid 
rays of light, said to the servants, " carry 
" me now up stairs, my friends, lest your 
" master should be displeased with you 
" for obedience to my will:" She was 
carefully conveyed to her chamber, where 
she almost immediately expired. Compla- 
cency, joy, and serenity were evidently 
delineated in her features. Such was the 
happy end of the mother of the author of 
Junius, who was in her eighty-eighth year 
when she rested in the grave. 

The beautiful collection of butterflies 
which graces the National Museum was 
made by Mr. Hughes, the brother of Dr. 
Wilmot's mother, a merchant of consider- 
able eminence in London. His sons, Edward 
and Thomas, went to India ; after which 
period the family became so separated, that 



177 

the fate of these relatives is not known. 
Some of their letters to Dr. Wilmot, as has 
been before stated, were seen by the editor, 
when she resided with her uncle. 

One of the Doctor's sisters, Olive 
Wilmot, was married to Captain Payne, a 
native of Virginia. He was in the India 
service, and possessed some sugar planta- 
tions in the West-Indies, as well as property 
in America. This gentleman saw Miss 
Wilmot at Warwick the year his present 
Majesty came to the throne : she was said 
to be the most beautiful woman in the 
county. After their marriage, they resided 
at Mile-End. Some years afterwards their 
mansion Was burnt to rains ; and the 
rapidity of the flames was such, that only 
Mrs. Payne, two children, and three ser- 
vants, were saved from the devouring ele* 
ment. 

Captain Payne had been absent from 
England nearly twelve months, and had 
M 4 



178 

arrived in one of his own vessels at Black- 
wall the same evening this melancholy 
circumstance took place. Anxious to be- 
hold his family after so long a separation, 
he set off immediately, and arrived at his 
home the very instant his wife, in her un- 
dress, was running to and fro' before the 
house, almost distracted, and entreating 
that her dear boys might be saved. The 
situation of Captain Payne may more easily 
be imagined than described ; he cloathed his 
afflicted wife with his coat, and conducted 
her to a lodging in the neighbourhood. The 
alarm and grief occasioned by the dread- 
ful calamity, changed her hair perfectly 
white. In this fatal night, independent of 
the expensive furniture, two fine children 
were burnt to death, and the remaining 
servants missing. Dr. Wilmot, with some 
faithful friends, performed the office of the 
good Samaritan on this occasion. He 
poured balm into the wounded mind of his 



179 

brother-in-law, and soothed him into a re- 
signed obedience to the will of God. He 
visited his sister constantly ; though her 
senses were preserved, she recovered slowly 
from the excessive shock she had received. 
To the latest hour of her life, she lamented 
the cruel fate of her dear children. 

In other circumstances Captain Payne 
was also unfortunate. He lost two or three 
ships laden with sugars, w r hose cargoes 
were extremely valuable ; but he still pos- 
sessed a genteel independency for his family. 
He was well known to the present Sir 
William Curtis and his brother, whom he 
left joint guardian with Dr. Wilmot to his 
three children,William, Olivia, and George. 
Theeldest son, preferring a seafaring life,was 
on board a ship belonging to Sir William, 
named the Nottingham, bound to China, 
when a violent gale sprung up, as he was 
standing on the quarter deck, and so sudden- 
ly shifted one of the sails that it carried him 



180 

overboard. There was at the time a heavy- 
swell, which entirely prevented his sorrow- 
ful shipmates giving him any assistance. 
He possessed a fine, generous, and manly 
character, and was just entering his twenty- 
first year, when he met with his untimely 
fate. An excellent navigator and seaman 
from early youth, he had accompanied 
his father in his voyages to China, the 
West-Indies, &c. Prior to sailing on this 
last voyage, he visited his uncle, Dr. 
Wilmot, and his cousin Olivia, at the Rec- 
tory ; and he endeared himself to their 
memory by his frank and noble dispo- 
sition. 

His brother George studied the law, and 
resided at Birmingham in a most respecta- 
ble way. He married early in life, and 
died at the age of twenty-five. His remains 
were deposited in St. Mary's, Warwick. 

The other sister of Dr. Wilmot, Sarah, 
was married to Captain Read of the 44th 



181 

regiment of foot. She was called the 
Brown Beauty, and died very early in life, 
leaving one daughter, the wife of Major 
Hankin of the Scotch Greys, an officer of 
courage and respectability, and whose merit 
has secured him the respect and friendship 
of the officers of that brave regiment. 

Our author was his father's favorite, 
while his brother Robert was from infancy 
the delight of his mother. His sister 
Olive, he would say, was a true Wilmot, 
and the editor conceives that her name 
being the same with this beloved sister, 
greatly contributed to h^r uncle's affection 
for herself. When particularly jocular and 
good-humoured, he would call his niece 
Young Noll y observing the Nolls of the 
family were generally of the trueWilmotean 
spirit. 

I>r. Wilmot gave his niece to understand, 
that a few of the essays in the Rambler 
were written by himself in conjunction with 



182 

Dr. Johnson, who labored exceedingly 
during his stay at College. Our author 
about this time was also greatly engaged 
with his literary studies. 

Dr. Devy, when he visited at the Rectory, 
would frequently discourse with the editor 
on the constancy with which her uncle bore 
the infirmities or age, as they were slowly 
approaching. " Life is become a weari- 
" some pilgrimage," our author would say, 
" but it is the duty of man to be firm and 
" courageous in the hour of bodily suffer- 
" ing, and to endeavour, as far as may be 
" in his power, to conquer the imbecilities 
" of his nature. Death appears to us 
" under various features. No mortal meets 
" its arrows with a similitude of feeling. 
" We frequently perceive the greatest mind 
" shrink at the approach of bodily anguish ; 
" this plainly and most forcibly demon- 
" strates the imbecility of our nature, the 
" deficiencies of our judgment, and the 



183 

" faithlessness of our souls. A man who 
" has lived greatly, must die nobly, or the 
" superiority of his life is diminished by 
" the cowardice of his last moments. 
ft Death is an emancipation to scenes of 
' ( eternal happiness. Why then should that 
" mortal tremble a,t the approach of so 
" much felicity, who is satisfied that his 
i? paths of mortal progress have Been in 
" no degree the road to criminality, or 
« vice ! " 

Our author was accustomed to write 
every morning an essay on morality or 
philosophy, to assist the dawning reason of 
his niece. How deeply does she lament the 
fatal resolution he put into practice of 
having his sermons and writings destroyed 
previous to his death ? What a fund of in- 
tellectual knowledge was condemned to 
oblivion? But such w T as the case ; nor was 
it possible to counteract the dire effects of 
this unfortunate circumstance. 



184 

" Some characters, during the whole 
•' course of their lives, live in this vast 
• theatre of mortality," Dr. Wilmot would 
frequently ohserve, ** literally for them* 
" selves. The happiness and welldoing 
<c of their fellow-men are in no wise as- 
" similated to their wishes or intentions. 
" Such persons, through the channel of 
*< a long and opulent destiny, evince, by 
** the tenor of their private and public 
" conduct, that the mandates of morality 
" and virtue are to them causes of repug- 
" nance and dislike; while, on the con- 
46 trary, it has been well ascertained, that 
" persons of moderate fortune and humble 
46 rank in society, have shewn every feel- 
" ing of philanthropy and compassion 
46 towards their fellow-beings in this stormy 
u voyage of anguish and difficulty. The 
m majority of the world does not consist 
Xi of Solomons" he would continue to ob- 
serve ; " but if there is not a race of persons 



185 

" whose minds are of superior texture to 
f* the generality of the characters in life, 
" how would many, in that case, have 
" been enabled to exercise that authorita- 
" tive power, upon which they have ven- 
*' tared to act for a succession of ages in 
V every kingdom of the globe?" 

When conversing on the fate of nations, 
our author would mention, with much 
pleasure, the many useful observations in 
Fenelon's celebrated work of Telemachus. 
" There are lessons in that little volume," 
he would say, " that every prince should 
" study and understand, I perfectly agree 
" with that elegant writer, that the bles- 
" sing of peace alone render a kingdom 
" or state prosperous ; for what empire can 
" be considered in absolute security, which 
" is the scene of war and rapine ? The 
" wisdom of princes is always defined by 
kC a pacific regulation. When, by the ca- 
■ f lamities of war, commerce is impeded, 



186 

" and the necessaries of life are rendered 
" exorbitant, the lower ranks of society 
" then become unemployed, starving, and 
" dissatisfied; and the most disastrous 
" events may be expected to take place 
" from such desolating causes." 

" The prince or sovereign who has no 
" will or discretion of his own, can never 
" make a prosperous monarch to the 
" people he governs/' was a constant ob- 
servation of our author ; " but, on the other 
" hand, although a prince may possess 
" the most fundamental knowledge of the 
" constitution he presides over, yet he 
" should not trust the fate of thousands 
" to his own regulations." He would 
then quote a passage from Tacitus, which 
states, u that no prince can have a reach 
" so great, as to be master of all his con* 
¥ cerns ; no one a mind strong enough to 
" carry so great a burthen. A single cha- 
H . racter sees and comprehends but very 



u little in regard to the generality of life 
" and its features. Kings should be 
" Arguses. The hours of sleep should 
" never close their eye nor ear from a 
" constant observation of every national 
" occurrence." 

Every government has had, in its most 
healthy state, the most perplexing intrigues 
to baffle. In the year 1771* &e party 
spirit in this country ran so excessively 
high, that the dearest relationships in life, 
and the most long-tried friendships were 
set aside by political intrigue and craft. 
Friends were rendered the secret foes of 
friends, and party zeal was manifested in 
a manner unexampled in any former reign. 
—The late Dukes of Gloucester and Cum- 
berland, Dr. Wilmot was well aware, were 
decidedly in opposition, and secretly frus- 
trated each other's political wishes. Our 
author derived much of his political know- 
ledge from the late Bishop of Worcester, 

N 



188 

preceptor to the Prince of Wales. He was 
from early youth his chosen friend. It has 
been already remarked how much Lord 
Northington and Sir James Wright were 
attached to him : and when the Letters of 
Junius appeared, in all probability our au- 
thor received legal advice from his Lord- 
ship and Mr. Dunning. Nor is it impro- 
bable to state, that he was assisted by the 
knowledge which Mr. Thurlow had acquired 
of the law. 

Although Dr. Wilmot had been preceptor 
to Lord North, while at the University, it 
is extremely natural to suppose, that his 
attachment to the Northington and Wright 
families would precede his friendship for 
that minister; the more so, as his boyish 
days had witnessed the. filial affection he 
entertained for the mother of Sir James. 

Had not Lord Northington went out of 
office, there is no question but our author 
would have been handsomely provided for. 



189 

His Lordship was on the eve of promoting 
his interests at the time of his retirement 
from his high situation. It must have been 
a concerted plan, that Junius should appear 
in the independent manner he did. It was 
evident that nobleman gave his perfect con- 
fidence to our author, as was testified by 
the many letters' which were seen by the 
editor, and which always commenced with 
the words " dear Wilrnot," and concluded 
with " most faithfully yours." 

Lord Rockingham and Lord G. Sack- 
ville entertained so great a regard for our 
author, that their kindness was not easily 
to be eradicated from his memory : and 
when some of those honest feelings pos- 
sessed by Lord Thurlow, evinced them- 
selves during his Chancellorship,they always 
afforded him full scope to expatiate on the 
integrity of his noble friend. u But he 
" will not die in office," he would say, " I 
" know all his political opinions ; the times 
n 2 



190 

" are in the greatest opposition to his poll- 
" tical sentiments." 

The Lords Chatham, Northington, 
Shelburne, andThurlow, were esteemed by 
Dr. Wilmot as the greatest men of the age. 
He usually designated the latter nobleman 
by the appellation of beetle brow, in allu- 
sion to his eye-brows, " The features of 
" Lord Thurlow's face/' he would de- 
clare, " were the index of his great and 
" comprehensive soul. Nature has dealt 
" largely in the formation of Thurlow's 
f? mind and body : the appearance of the 
" man indicates the vastness of his genius/* 
Nature is seldom deceptive in the forma- 
tion of the human countenance. If we 
study her character with microscopic effect, 
few mistakes will arise as to our judgment 
of men and manners. 

The character of Swift was, in some 
measure, liked by our author ; yet, he ob- 
served, ,that great politician had unpardon- 



191 

able faults. He compared his wit to a 
dagger of triangular forai, which occa- 
sioned an incurable wound. The eccentri- 
cities of Swift proceeded from disappointed 
pride; and his behaviour, on the approach 
of death, was inconsistent with the general 
features of his life. He lived the reproach 
of many, and at his death few regretted his 
loss. The life of Swift, as delivered to the 
world, was truly a studied one. " If my 
" character, " observed Dr. Wilmot, 
" should be ever drawn, I trust some 
" moderate and candid person will detail 
" me to the world as I really was, not as 
" the creature of a fabricated history/' 

" That too much learning frequently im- 
" pedes the energy of genius in youth," 
was a frequent opinion of our author. " The 
i( originality of thought is often confined by 
" our knowledge of the sentiments of others. 
" To make a great painter, the student 
" should study only from nature, and not 
n 3 



192 

" even glance his eye on the productions of 
" others, until he has found a stile and me- 
" thod of his own. To become an elegant 
" poet requires that the imagery of the mind 
cc should not be warped by classical prece- 
66 dents. A knowledge of the Greek and 
" Latin tongues is, however, requisite to 
" render a person acquainted with the sub- 
" limity of Homer, the simplicity of Vir- 
" gil ? and the elegance of Horace." 

Milton was considered by the Doctor as 
the greatest poet any age had produced, 
for sublimity and elegance of stile. His 
niece was accustomed to read to him every 
morning various passages from that cele- 
brated author. She also, at his desire, 
would read out of the works of Pope, Dry- 
den and Thompson, w r ith all of whom he 
was greatly delighted. His criticism on 
Dryden was just. He said, that " all the 
" translations of Dryden bespoke the bril- 
" liant imagination of the scholar, the 
" exquisite taste of the poet, and the vast- 



193 

" ness of his fancy. Truth and elegance 
' distinguished all Dryden's productions." 
Mr. Walpole had been an exceeding ac- 
tive politician ui his time : he was possessed 
of great natural and acquired abilities. 
" Walpole," the Doctor would observe, 
" would have been a greater man, had the 
" true spirit of liberality guided his in ten - 
" tions through life, and made merit in 
" distress his consideration. A man, by an 
" ostentatious display of feeling, may per- 
" chance, for a little time, receive popular 
" favor; but that man is to be admired who 
" delights in acts of secret beneficence, who 
" endeavours to conceal from public obser- 
4( vation his good qualities, and seeks his 
Ci reward in the satisfaction of an ap- 
" proving conscience, in preference to the 
" world's applause." 

" A studied character is a dangerous ac- 
" quaintance," was a saying of Dr. Wil- 
mot's ; ** a man who is in the habit of 
" always acting can never be a sincere or 



194 

u disinterested friend. The world, it is 
" true, may be considered a continued 
" stage of deceptive dealing ; yet the dig- 
" nity of man is greatly encreased by his 
"attention to sincerity, and its concomi- 
** taut, honesty." 

Every degree of art Dr. Wilmot ab- 
horred, " Truth is the perfection of all 
" things — the reverse the greatest degrada- 
" tion of man." 

In a conversation which our author once 
held with his nephew, Joseph Ball Downman, 
Esq., the subject turned upon his intimacy 
with Lord Archer. " Not an action of 
<* that nobleman's life, for upwards of 
<' thirty years," observed the Doctor, " was 
" concealed from me. I was honored with 
" the unlimited confidence of his Lordship, 
" who was one of the most patriotic cha- 
" racters I ever recollect to have been ac- 
" quainted with." Mr. Wilkes, he also 
observed, had been greatly assisted by Lord 
Archer, who, unsolicited, at the com* 



195 



meircement of the year 1767, generously 
sent him five hundred pounds when at Paris. 

Mr. Wilkes was for some months in pri- 
vacy at Ombersley, Lord Archer's seat. 
A beautiful picture of Venus decorated the 
dining room of that ancient mansion. " He 
" must have been very fond of the fair sex/ 3 
observed the Doctor to his niece, " for I 
" usually found him writing in that apart- 
" ment, seated at a table facing the por- 
" trait." When being rallied on this 
circumstance, Wilkes would reply with 
much humour, " Wilmot, I never write 
'* so agreeably as in the presence of Beauty 
" and Silence. What are the inducements 
iC of a man's labour ? Can you be sur- 
" prised I have reverence for so much 
" female loveliness." 

Lord Bacon's works were placed by the 
Doctor in his niece's hands at a very early 
age, and he desired her to read his essays 
very frequently. The editor has often iniagin- 



196 

ed, from many circumstances, that her vene- 
rated uncle greatly resembled Lord Bacon 
in person and mind. Such was the atten- 
tion he paid to her education, that she 
never perused or even saw a novel until after 
her marriage. 

When advanced in years, Dr. Wilmot 
seldom went abroad, but preferred com- 
pany at his own table. He was much 
afflicted with rheumatism in the hips, and 
disliked the motions of a horse or carriage; 
although, in other respects, he enjoyed for 
years the most excellent health imaginable. 
Barton-on-the-Heath was a retired vil- 
lage ; but he was acquainted with so many 
gentlemen of the neighbourhood, that 
scarce a morning passed that company did 
not, both in winter and summer, visit him. 
Used to the society of persons greatly 
older than herself, the editor still feels a 
pleasure in the company of aged persons. 
The habits of her early years were re- 



197 

tired and regular ; she still remains under 
the influence of their controul, and has 
frequently, for months, devoted herself to 
study without experiencing the most trifling 
ennui. 

If you have resolution, in the midst of a 
great world, to forego its dissipations and 
pleasures, in time you will also learn to 
conquer your own inclinations and passions. 
Such sentiments always distinguished the 
Doctor in his lessons of advice to his niece. 
Would to heaven his instructive voice again 
comforted her in her career through life !— 
But that cannot be. Still shall his memory 
last till life is no more, and be the dearest 
object of her remembrance, 

In regard to wealth, the Doctor never 
coveted it. " I was the last in the world, 
" who could be rich in the times I lived in," 
he would say, " for it is necessary a man 
" should adapt his feelings to every degree 
" of dependency to possess himself of the 



198 

" good things of life ; but, thank God, I 
" never degraded myself by the sentiments 
" I uttered, or by condescending to forego 
" the character of an Englishman, for 
" the worldly advantages I might have 
(; obtained from a contrary principle.' ' 

u Man was born but once to cUe, 
", Thus life or death is liberty," 

was a favorite couplet of his — and again, 

" The worm that's crawling on the ground, 
ts By many feet is abject found." 

In the month of January 1/91, the life 
of Dr. Wilmot and his niece, were most 
miraculously preserved. At the Epiphany 
sessions at Warwick, it was usual for the 
Doctor to meet his old friends, Lord Ayles- 
ford, of Packington, and ether noblemen 
and gentlemen, justices of the county. 
Being a member of a society founded in 
early life, he generally attended at the 
sessions whenever it occurred. % 

The Doctor, about the 7th of January, 



199 

informed bis niece be bad an intention of 
taking ber to see some friends at Warwick, 
if she had no objection to accompany him. 
The day after this proposal, the mind of 
Miss Wilmot became impressed with an 
idea, that the rectory would be plundered 
by robbers. She endeavoured to get the 
better of this gloomy presentiment ; but 
the most dreadful anticipations of such 
an event greatly distressing her, she became 
very anxious for her uncle's departure^ 
and pressed him repeatedly to depart with- 
out her a day sooner than he originally 
intended. He asked her why she so earnestly 
wished to expedite his journey, and telling 
her he should doubly enjoy his excursion 
by having the company of his dear girl; 
yet his niece still desired to be left at home. 
At last she ventured to inform her uncle 
of the presentiment she entertained. He 
kindly listened to her apologies for her 
superstition, and endeavoured to assure 



200 

her there was not the least foundation for 
a suspicion of the kind. There had not 
heen a house broke into at Barton in the 
memory of its inhabitants. " Divest your- 
" self, therefore, Olivia/' the Doctor 
urged, " divest yourself of your preju- 
" dice ; recover your spirits, and trust to 
" the protecting power of that great Being 
" who never deserts the innocent : but I 
" shall not go to Warwick until you have 
" conquered your superstition and melan- 
" choly." 

Miss Wilmot, however, could not be 
satisfied, until her uncle had set off on his 
journey. The morning she had acquainted 
her uncle with her presentiments she con- 
jured him to depart; and urged him, if 
there was any money in the house, to take 
it with him: " for I am sure," she de- 
clared, with tears in her eyes, " the house 
" will be robbed. It is dailv and nightly 
" in my thoughts; and, as you are a jus- 



201 

** tice of the peace, your life would not be 
" safe amidst robbers." 

The Doctor became seriously displeased 
with his niece. " Your fears, Olivia/' 
said he, " do no credit to your preceptor. 
" Having in part been educated by myself, 
" I am at a loss to reconcile such weakness 
" as this to my mind. To cure your fears, 
" however, my dear girl, I will take your 
" advice, and go to Warwick this after- 
f noon ; and I make no doubt I shall, on 
" my return, find you blushing for the 
*.f suppositions you are now cherishing." j 

The Doctor went to Shipston-upon- 
Stpwer the same afternoon : and, sleeping 
at the house of a friend at that place, the 
next morning he met his old acquaintances 
at the Tuns Inn, at Warwick. 

As soon as he left Barton, his niece had 
a conversation with her uncle's house- 
keeper, respecting the best manner to be 
adopted to defend the house and property. 



202 

The two men servants were ordered to 
clean and load two brace of pistols, and 
four guns. These were placed at the seve- 
ral windows, to appear as spring guns. 
The plate was then collected, and placed in 
bags in the apartment of the servants, who 
were also armed to defend the property. 
They were desired, if any thing occur- 
red during the night, to get up, and 
protect their mistress, should any persons 
succeed in getting into the house. Miss 
Wilmot slept in one of the wings ; the 
servants, both male and female, were 
placed in the rooms adjoining her own. 
Previous to retiring for the night, about 
ten o'clock, she fired off a pistol at the hall 
door. It was the first she had ever dis- 
charged, and holding it improperly, the 
recoil nearly broke her collar-bone. Two 
guns were also fired off by the servants, and 
every precaution used to render abortive 
any person's attempt to enter the house. All 



203 

night Miss Wilniot lay waking and agi- 
tated. To her excessive delight day broke, 
and she considered it a blessing she had not 
been in any danger. The servants were 
gay, and she could perceive her doubts had 
not affected them. 

The whole of the 11th of January she 
was perfectly serene, but still expected the 
confirmation of her fears. In the evening 
she ordered the carpenter of the village to 
screw down the bars of the two parlour 
windows, the out-offices, &c. The fire- 
arms were again discharged, and the family 
retired to bed. Miss Wilmot, from fatigue, 
fell into a perturbed slumber about mid- 
night. The two men slept in the next 
room to her, which was usually occupied 
by the Doctor, with the plate, pistols, and 
a couple of old swords by their bedside. 

Shortly after she was suddenly awaken- 
ed, by the violent entrance of five ruffians 
into her apartment, who, armed with va- 

o 



204 

rious instruments of destruction, surround- 
ed her bed. They threatened her with 
instant death, if she did not disclose where 
the old Doctor, as they styled him, kept 
his gold. Although most cruelly agitated, 
Miss Wilmot's senses did not forsake her. 
She entreated life and mercy at their hands. 
" Preserve our lives/' she said, " and 
" take all you chuse. I know you are 
" robbers; — 'tis gold you seek. God will 
" pardon your taking that : but by eom- 
" mitting murder you will be no gainers/' 
One of the ruffians put a pistol to her 
head^ while another held a sword of her 
uncle's to her throat. In such a distress- 
ing situation she raised her imploring eyes 
to heaven, and invoked its protection; for 
she lay under the dread of immediate 
death. The men paused : four of them 
were close. to her ; the fifth, better looking 
and more decently clad than the others/ 
stood at a distance, silently gazing at her. 



205 

" Who are you ?" demanded one of them. 
She had sufficient presence of mind to de- 
clare herself one of the Doctor's servants. 
She supposes that answer, under provi- 
dence, saved her life ; for one of the vil- 
lains swore a dreadful oath, that, iC if the 
" Doctor had been in the house, they would 
" have had his heart's blood." 

However, the naming of herself as one 
of the domestics, occasioned Miss Wilmot 
more serious alarm. They proceeded to 
take the most cruel liberties with her, 
while they made use of the most shocking 
expressions. The men were nearly in a 
state of intoxication, and styled her the 
Doctor's favorite. One of them addressed 
him who was called their captain, desiring 
him to attend to their booty, " while," he 
uttered, " I make this woman my prize." 

The agony of Miss Wilmot, so young, 
so unprotected, so treated, may be more 
easily imagined than described. " Have 

o2 



206 

u you no mercy?" she exclaimed ; ** the 
u moment you sully my honor, I die!" 
In this awful moment, when despair had 
almost overpowered her, and she seemed 
to stand on the very verge of destruction, 
the robber, who had hitherto remained at 
a distance, and was the leader of the gang, 
called out, " Desist, Frazer, you shall not 
" hurt a hair of her head !" Thus speak- 
ing, he held a pistol to his head, and swore 
he would blow his brains out, if he did 
not leave the young creature alone. A 
most dreadful altercation ensued ; during 
the scuffle, Miss Wilmot leaped from the 
bed, and cast herself at the feet of the 
merciful robber. " Protect, protect a de- 
" fenceless female," she cried, " and Hea- 
" ven will pardon all your other sins." — 
" Can you place confidence in a robber ?" 
he inquired. " I do, I do," replied Miss 
Wilmot; " I prove it."— « Then I will 
protect you," he said; and placing his 



a 



207 

arm round her, raised her up, and hurried 
the other fellows out of the room. This 
generous robber protested that no life should 
be destroyed ; and said, " if ever I am 
" taken, remember me." He then threw 
some of the bed-cloaths about her, and 
having got the other robbers out of the room, 
desired her to remain quiet ; " Aye/' re- 
plied his companions, in the next room, 
" if she is not, we shall have her heart's 
" blood." 

On leaving the apartment, the robber 

again desired Miss Wilmot to remember 

him ; while the rest swore he had saved 

her life that she might again know them. 

The door of the room was then nailed up, 

which led to where the female servants 

were, who, she was informed, were all alive. 

As the window looked into the churchyard, 

and the bank rose high under it, about 

an hour after she imagined the robbers 

had left the house, she resolved to leap from 

o 3 



208 

it, and get to the village; but observing 
one of the men, armed with a gun, sta- 
tioned under the window, as if be had 
suspected her intention, she desisted from 
the attempt. 

In total darkness, and agitated with the 
excessive alarm, into which the terrifying 
scenes she had been undergoing had 
plunged her, Miss Wilmot dropped on her 
knees, and offered up her sincere thanks- 
givings to Heaven, whose protecting power 
had saved her from a calamity more dread- 
ful than death itself. She implored Pro- 
dence to continue its blessings, and while 
she was lamenting the darkened state of 
her apartment, it was suddenly illuminated 
by a light that shewed itself in every part, 
and discovered where her apparel lay. 
Let not the sceptic imagine that this ac- 
count is written by a visionary : although 
the niece of Dr. Wilmot was educated by 
him in a manner to destroy all the seeds 



209 

of superstition, if she had ever entertained 
such, yet she has no hesitation in avow- 
ing her belief, that the same power which 
had given her the presentiment that the 
robbery would take place, could also evince 
its protection by a sign. 

On the first crowing of the cock, and 
finding the certainty of her safety con- 
firmed, Miss Wilmot called to the servants, 
who, being fastened in their chamber, 
were not able to assist her. She therefore, 
with a petticoat and blanket over her, 
leaped out of the window into the church- 
yard; and, in the snow, barefooted, ran 
into the village. Just at the churchyard 
gates she met some farmers going to 
fodder their cattle, who, on seeing her, 
at first ran from her. Calling to farmer 
Durham, he knew her voice, and said, 
" God in Heaven defend me ! it is young 
" Madam Wilmot, as I am a living sin- 
" ner 1" Lifting up Miss Wilmot in his 
o 4 



210 

arms, she was conveyed to his house, hard 
hy ; and, after being accommodated with 
shoes and stockings, they attended her 
back to the parsonage. They returned 
about six in the morning, and found every 
thing in the greatest confusion. It was a 
most desolated scene ; almost every door in 
the house had been forced, and every ca- 
binet ransacked ; every article of furniture 
damaged, and thrown about the rooms. 

The women servants had hid themselves 
under the bed, and having found every 
member of the family in existence and 
unhurt, Miss Wilmot once more fell on 
her knees, in the hall of the rectory, to 
return her thanks to Divine Providence 
for the safety which had been vouchsafed 
to them. The worthy farmer, his servants, 
their wives and children, all joined in the 
pious offerings of a most grateful heart. The 
mercy of the Divine Author of all things 
had indeed been manifested on that eventful 



211 

night to the whole of the Doctor's fa- 
mily. 

Expresses were sent off to Dr. Wilmot, 
at Warwick, which is about thirty miles 
from Barton ; and, as the London coaches 
pass through Long Compton, in their way 
to Oxford, the news was rapidly spread 
before the day had half gone by. The 
neighbouring gentry came to Barton to 
assist and to condole with Miss Wilmot 
on this occasion ; but no one was more 
affectingly soothing than Mr. Charles 
Willes, Rector of Cherington, which is 
distant five miles from Barton. Mr. Willes, 
as has been before stated, was the youngest 
son of Lord Chief Justice Willes. While 
he remained at the parsonage, he wrote 
down Miss Wilmot' s account of the rob- 
bery, as well as that of the other persons 
in the house; hand-bills were printed, and 
distributed over the countv. 

It was discovered that all the plate and 



212 

valuables were gone; and that they were 
transported on horseback, whose steps were 
traced in the snow, for nearly two miles, 
until lost in the public road, 

Dr. Wilmot returned from Warwick with 
the messenger. The venerable divine anx- 
iously leapt from the chaise, and being met 
by his old friend Mr. Willes, was in a few 
words told of his loss ; but that his niece 
and servants were safe. On entering his 
house and casting his eyes on the deso- 
lation around him, with a beneficent smile 
he raised his expressive eyes to heaven. 
" My God, I thank thee," said he ; " my 
u loss, my friends, is nothing, a trifle ! 
" whereas my poor niece? where are my 
'* suffering domestics ? " At that moment 
Miss Wilmot, having heard his voice, 
rushing down stairs, sunk at his feet, 
speechless and almost distracted with joy at 
the idea of having been the instrument, 
under Providence, of saving her respected 



213 



uncle's life. He raised her in his arms., and 

pressed her to his affectionate heart. " Be 
' comforted, my love/' he uttered, " you 
' still are spared to he a blessing to your 
1 uncle." Then turning to his friends, 

said, " but the presentiment of my niece 
c I shall never lose the recollection of. 
' The blow was less violent. It is an 
6 awful proof of God's goodness, that my 
' niece was preserved from the dreadful 
6 scene she witnessed, by divulging to her 
i that such would occur. My own life has 
' been most miraculously saved. I hesi- 
' tated to commence my journey ; nor 
' should I have gone to Warwick, but 
' that I trusted the inattention I paid to 
6 what I at that time conceived to be 
1 superstition in my niece, would have 
1 destroyed every vaporish idea she might 
' have been induced to give way to." 
Nothing could be more noble or impres- 

sive than the conduct of the worthv and 



214 

respected Rector on that occasion. Selfish 
consideration had no influence over him. 
The generous benevolence of his disposition 
was greatly manifested. He only recol- 
lected the goodness of Providence which 
had saved the lives of his niece, his 
servants, and himself. His losses were 
considerable. Independent of a great quan- 
tity of old and valuable plate, there was 
cash to the amount of some hundreds in his 
bureau, all of which were seized by the 
robbers. 

A week had scarcely elapsed when the 
robbers were taken, and several indict- 
ments laid against them for numerous de- 
predations committed in various parts of 
Worcestershire as well as in Warwickshire. 
They belonged to a most desperate gang. 
Some of them were sent for trial to Wor- 
cester, and the others at Warwick. Sir 
Alexander Thompson was the judge who 
presided at the trial of these men. Miss 



215 

Wilmot gave her evidence clearly and mi- 
nutely, and the learned judge was pleased 
to approve of her manner of delivering it, 
and testified that approbation in the most 
handsome manner in court. Nor did 
Miss Wilmot forget the humane man who 
saved her life and honor* She pathetically 
recommended him to mercy, and entreated 
the judge would exert the noble privilege he 
possessed. The ruffian Frazer turned 
king's evidence, and they were all con- 
victed of the robbery. The robber, for 
whom Miss Wilmot had intreated herself, 
was tried on various other indictments, and 
suffered the penalty of the crimes he had 
committed. The benevolence of Dr. 
Wilmot extended even to the prison of 
these unhappy wretches, and had them 
supplied with every necessary fit for their 
unfortunate situation. He sent persons to 
instruct and afford them consolation, while 



216 

he gave them forgiveness for their crimes 
towards himself. 

The editor has endeavoured, by every 
attention to truth, to impress upon the 
minds of all who read these Memoirs the 
real character of the respectable man 
whose life she has attempted to delineate. 
Of a religious and moral disposition, he 
never in the whole course of his life 
betrayed a bigoted or sordid opinion, idea, 
or sentiment. 

Dr. Wilmot always observed, that the 
good things of this life W T ere bestowed upon 
men for their use and enjoyment. " Corn 
" grows for the staff of life," said he ; " fruit 
" for the wine-press : partaking properly of 
" such blessings, we act in obedience to the 
" glorious intention of our Maker." 

Indeed, he liked his bottle; yet he was 
seldom affected by his evening's con- 
viviality. On a particular occasion, while 



217 

at the University at a large party, he 
was merry and jovial. When the com- 
pany broke up, and he was observed by 
some of his college friends at a very late 
hour crossing the quadrangle of Trinity; 
tc You are conquered, Doctor," said they, 
" to-night." He very good-naturedly 
made the following reply. 

" Conquered — I am only cut — To-morrow's sun 
Will finish'd see — what you consider done." 

This good humour and ready wit tes* 
tified itself upon all occasions. One subject 
would always occasion a frown on his coun- 
tenance. The most trifling evasion or 
falsehood would rouse his anger, and excite 
his contempt. If any person forced a 
falsehood upon his acceptance, or were ac- 
knowledged liars in society, he would say, 
" Heaven defend me from the society of 
" such characters. One may, Olivia, lock 
" up against a thief; but there is no 



218 

" guarding against the machinations of a 
" liar, who braves God, and defies man." 
Whenever Dr. Wilmot solemnly bound 
himself to the performance of a promise, he 
most conscientiously observed his word. 
He had an unfortunate political dispute with 
his brother about twenty years before the 
death of the latter. In the heat of anger 
he solemnly declared he would never be 
again in the society of his brother. He 
most sensibly lamented this circumstance, 
and deplored the hasty vow he had uttered 
until his decease. But nothing could make 
him break it, he steadily kept his word. 
Mr. Robert Wilmot was of an affectionate 
disposition, and tenderly loved his brother ; 
he took a journey to endeavour to procure a 
reconciliation with him. The Doctor gave 
orders that he should be respectfully enter- 
tained at the Rectory; but he confined him- 
self to his apartment during the stay of his 
brother, lamenting the cruel necessity he 



219 

had imposed upon himself of thus acting. 
" I have long been friends with my 
" brother/' said the Doctor, " but it is 
" impossible I can forfeit the protection of 
" my God, for any gratification of my 
" own/' Thus Dr. Wilmot and his bro- 
ther did not meet or converse, for some 
years previous to his decease. 

When apologising to his niece for his 

conduct towards her father u I called 

" Heaven to witness, that I never would 
" again hold any conversation with my 
H : brother/' he observed to her : " I will 
" now acknowledge I acted wrong in 
" making so rash a resolve ; but the oath 
" has gone forth, and for the dominion of 
" worlds, I would not be perjured on this 
" or any other occasion." 1 

Dr. Wilmot died without having again 
seen his brother ; but he affectionately re- 
membered him in his will, blessing him 
with his latent breath. And so much did 



220 

Mr. Robert Wilmot possess a truly Chris- 
tian-like disposition, that at the advanced age 
of seventy seven, he took a third long jour- 
ney to water the grave of his departed bro- 
ther and friend, with the tears of fraternal 
affection. 

It is only doing justice to the memory of 
her respected father, that the editor of 
these memoirs should observe, that there 
never was a more generous and independ- 
ent spirit than that possessed by Mr. Robert 
Wilmot. The whole county of Warwick 
knew the excellencies of his heart ; but like 
the Timon of our immortal countryman, 
Shakespeare, his hand was too open, and 
his heart too philanthropic, to secure the 
welfare of himself and family. He would 
share his little with the sons and daughters 
of affliction. He was the friend of the 
poor, and the enemy of oppression. He 
lived and died a true patriot at the age of 



221 

8J. His native town still recollects the in- 
dependency of character he ever supported. 
Our author died at the age of 86, almost 
without a groan, or even having much 
serious illness. The infirmities of age had 
been, for the last seven years, creeping fast 
upon him, yet the faculties of his mind 
remained unimpaired to the latest hour of 
his existence. He retained his senses until 
the moment of his decease, which event 
took place in January, 1807 ; and was in- 
terred in the chancel of the church at 
Barton. He departed this life full of years, 
religion, and virtue ; respected and la- 
mented by all who knew him. 

On the evening previous to his death, 
the spirit of our author's mind was parti- 
cularly manifested. For the last two years 
of his life he had been confined to his bed- 
room, and to an apartment contiguous to it. 
Being unable, from the rheumatism, to 

o2 



222 

walk down stairs, when even he gave any 
dinners to his neighbours, his company 
generally ascended to his room to take 
their wine with him. Growing very feeble 
during the last month of his existence, it 
was usual for him to retire to his bed at 
eight o'clock. His two men servants al- 
ways attended him at that hour and un- 
dressed him. The night previous to his 
death, about seven in the evening, he be- 
came extremely restless, and enquired the 
hour frequently, with a seeming impatience. 
The servants imagining it would be better 
for him to go to bed, told him it was eight 
o'clock when it was only seven, but at the 
instant they made the assertion, the little 
cabinet clock, that generally stood in the 
parlour below, struck the hour. He dis- 
tinctly heard its tones, and turning to his 
servants said, " To deceive a dying man 
" betrays a feature of the most unpardon- 
" able cruelty. Leave my presence, and 



223 



(( 



desire the house-keeper and hou<?e-maid 
to come up stairs." When they entered 
the room Dr; Wilmot informed them of 
the falsehood of his servants, wh'im he had 
discarded from his presence. He then de- 
sired that some pillows might be placed on 
the table, and laying his head down on them, 
fervently ejaculated — " Nothing but death 
" shall conquer me." He would not retire 
to his bed until two in the morning. With 
much apparent infirmity he was undressed, 
and soon after fell into a gentle slumber. 
About six in the morning, he said to the 
house-keeper, r I am going from you ; the 
" world and its allurements are no more ; 
fi I shall soon be with my holy father in 
" heaven ; do not grieve, I shall be at 
" rest; I leave tins scene of mortality 
" and woe, for eternal happiness. " He 
was very anxious to see Mr. Brain, who 
lived at Long Compton, about two miles 
distance 



Thjs gentleman arrived in time 



224 

to converse with him before he depar- 
ted. The name of his niece, Olivia, was 
the last word he uttered ; blessing her 
with his latest breath. He blessed also his 
brother and nephew, and at the hour of 
eleven, his benignant spirit ascended to 
its native skies. 



FINIS. 



Printed by Cox and Baylis, No. 75, Great Queen Street, 
Lincoln's-Inn Fields. 



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224 

to converse with him before he depar- 
ted. The name of his niece, Olivia, was 
the last word he uttered; blessing her 
with his latest breath. He blessed also his 
brother and nephew, and at the hour of 
eleven, his benignant spirit ascended to 
its native skies. 



FINIS, 



Printed by Cox and Bavlis, No. 75, Great Queen Street, 
Lincoln's-Inn Fields. 



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